New Delhi, 1 March (H.S.): The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday said Indian airlines are expected to cancel 444 international flights in view of ongoing airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East.

In a statement, the ministry said that due to airspace curbs, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March. The restrictions follow heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is closely coordinating with airlines to ensure compliance with safety and operational regulations. Major airports across the country have been placed on operational alert to manage possible diversions and ensure smooth passenger facilitation. Senior officials have been deployed to oversee airline coordination, terminal crowd management and passenger assistance.

The ministry said the Passenger Assistance Control Room continues to monitor passenger grievances and provide timely redressal. On 28 February, 216 grievances were recorded through the AirSewa platform, of which 105 were resolved during the same period.

The Embassy of India in Riyadh has also advised that Indian passengers stranded in Saudi Arabia due to travel disruptions may contact the mission’s 24x7 helpline numbers. Airlines have assured that necessary measures are being taken to assist affected passengers and travellers have been urged to follow updates issued by their respective carriers.

Earlier, the DGCA advised airlines to avoid the airspace of 11 countries till March 2, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu held a review meeting with senior officials to assess the situation, with focus on passenger safety, operational continuity and real-time coordination. Airlines have been directed to ensure timely rerouting or diversion of flights in line with global safety protocols.

Airports Authority of India and private airport operators have been instructed to maintain enhanced coordination with airlines regarding ground handling, parking bays, passenger amenities, crew logistics and immigration support.

The ministry said it remains in close touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure appropriate coordination in case of any emergent requirements involving Indian carriers or nationals abroad.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar