New Delhi, 20 March (H.S.):

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a fresh safety advisory urging all Indian airlines to avoid operating over several high‑risk West Asia and Gulf airspaces due to the ongoing regional conflict. The circular, effective immediately, will remain in force till 28 March 2026 and directs carriers to steer clear of designated conflict‑affected corridors while maintaining due caution even in adjacent regions.

The aviation regulator took this step after renewed geopolitical tensions, including U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Iran’s announced retaliatory measures, which have turned the airspace over and around West Asia into a volatile zone for civil aviation.

The DGCA has specifically advised Indian operators to avoid flying over the territories of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has, however, indicated that limited operations over parts of Oman and Saudi Arabia may be allowed, but only under strict conditions and at higher altitudes.

The DGCA has instructed airlines to avoid flying below 32,000 feet in certain sectors of Oman and Saudi Arabia, and has emphasised that all operators must conduct thorough security‑risk assessments and have robust contingency plans for rerouting and diversion.

The agency has also warned that current conditions pose a serious risk to flight operations, including the possibility of missile or drone activity, air‑defence engagements, and misidentification of civilian aircraft.

Airlines are further required to ensure that each airport in the affected region has a complete contingency plan incorporating diversion options and alternative routing, and that flight crews remain updated on the latest NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) and Aeronautical Information Publications, which provide real‑time information on airspace restrictions and operational changes.

The DGCA has made clear that while it is not imposing a blanket ban, it expects every airline to base its route‑selection decisions on a rigorous risk‑based safety evaluation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar