The DGCA on Saturday advised airlines to avoid airspaces of 11 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, till March 2.
New Delhi/ Mumbai:Except for far-east, all international flights from Indian airports cancelled due to West Asia crisis.
All international flights have been cancelled as multiple airspaces and airports have been closed in the wake of the attacks on Iran by Israel and the US.
Airlines scheduled to fly in these closed international routes have no insurance policies for cancellation. However, passengers with overseas travel policies can claim compensation for their cancelled international flights.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed all Indian airlines operating international services to continuously monitor airspace advisories, Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), and route restrictions issued by the concerned authorities to ensure passenger safety in the wake of the massive military operation launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Saturday.
“Following the airspace restrictions imposed in the Middle East, airlines have been directed to ensure timely rerouting or diversion of flights, wherever required, strictly in accordance with global safety protocols and established contingency planning procedures,” according to the Civil Aviation Ministry statement.
The safety of passengers and crew remains paramount. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation to ensure safe, orderly, and efficient air operations. The situation is under constant watch. Further updates will follow as necessary,” the statement said.
“In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on international air operations, the Minister of Civil Aviation undertook a comprehensive review of preparedness and response measures with all concerned stakeholders,” the statement said.
The review focused on ensuring passenger safety, operational continuity and real-time coordination in light of multiple airspace restrictions and NOTAMs issued in parts of the region.
Airports across the country, particularly major international gateways, have been placed on operational alert to manage potential flight diversions, unscheduled landings and passenger facilitation requirements.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and private airport operators have been advised to maintain enhanced coordination with airlines for ground handling, parking bays, passenger amenities, crew logistics and immigration support, as necessary.
A high-level meeting through a video conference was convened with the Ministry of Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and other senior officials of the Ministry, AAI, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators, and major airport operators across the country.
The DGCA has been advised to remain in close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety regulations, crew duty time limitations, and operational advisories.
Continuous monitoring mechanisms should also be activated to assess the evolving airspace dynamics and mitigate any cascading impact on domestic schedules.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is also in close touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure seamless information flow and appropriate coordination in case of any emergent requirements involving Indian carriers or Indian nationals abroad.
Passengers are advised to stay in regular contact with their respective airlines for updated travel information and schedule changes.
Airlines have been instructed to proactively communicate with passengers regarding delays, rerouting, or diversions to minimise inconvenience.
As many as 57 flights of both domestic and international airlines were cancelled at Mumbai International Airport till 5.45 pm on Saturday due to various NOTAMs for West Asia and airspace closure, a source has said.
The cancelled flights include 24 arrivals and 33 departures, he said.
“A total of 57 flights, including 24 arrivals and 33 departures, were cancelled at Mumbai airport by various airlines till 5.45 pm on Saturday due to various NOTAMs and airspace closure,” said a source.
NOTAM is issued when a specific airspace needs to be cleared of civilian air traffic.
DGCA in an urgent safety advisory to domestic air operators and other stakeholders also advised them to refrain from operating within the affected airspace at all flight levels and altitudes.
The DGCA on Saturday advised airlines to avoid airspaces of 11 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, till March 2.
The countries are Iran, Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.
Many airspaces are already shut in the wake of the attacks on Iran by Israel and the US on Saturday. Indian airlines have suspended their services to the Middle East.
The advisory has been issued in alignment with international safety standards and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), the regulator said.
The watchdog has asked airlines to refrain from operating within the 11 affected airspaces at all flight levels and altitudes.
Carriers have been asked to closely monitor all updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the affected countries and national authorities.
“This advisory is effective immediately and remains valid until March 02, 2026, unless reviewed or superseded by further developments,” DGCA said in the advisory.
Air India on Saturday said it has suspended all flights to all destinations in the Middle East in the wake of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East.Millennial News Subscription
The announcement came as the US and Israel began “major combat operations” in Iran.
“In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended,” Air India said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday issued a passenger advisory cautioning that certain international flights may face delays or rerouting.
The possible disruptions are due to temporary closures and restrictions affecting multiple international airspaces, the airport said.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport and plan their journeys accordingly, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) said in the advisory
“We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as required. Our teams will be extending all necessary support to passengers,” the airline added.
Air India suggested fliers to check the flight status online as well as at “its 24×7 Call Centre at +91 1169329333, +91 1169329999”.
“You are also requested to check our website. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” said the airline.
The United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran on Saturday, significantly intensifying tensions in the Middle East. The development raised concerns of a widening confrontation that could have far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences.
An Air India Express spokesperson said that in view of the developing situation in parts of the Gulf Region, “Air India Express has suspended all westbound international flights. The safety and security of our guests and crew remain our highest priority”.
“We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and will proactively review and adjust our operations as necessary. Our teams are extending all possible support and assistance to impacted guests,” said the airline, adding that the impacted guests are being notified directly on their registered contact details.
“Guests are advised to check their flight status on airindiaexpress.com and ensure their contact information is up to date. For change and cancellation waivers on impacted flights, guests may visit the ‘Manage Booking’ section on our website,” said the spokesperson.
Air India on Saturday diverted its Delhi-Tel Aviv flight to Mumbai due to the closure of Israeli airspace. Israel has launched attacks on Iran, following which some airspaces are closed for flight operations.
“AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 28 February is returning to India due to closure of airspace in Israel and in the interest of safety of passengers and crew,” the airline said in a statement. An airline official said the flight has been diverted to Mumbai.
“We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as needed,” Air India said. The airline also regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation.
Meanwhile, IndiGo said it was closely monitoring regional updates concerning Iran and its airspace.
“Our teams stand prepared to implement any necessary adjustments as the situation evolves,” it said in a post on X and asked passengers to check their flight status before departure.
Flight tracking website Flightradar24.com, in a post on X, said the closed airspaces are affecting many flights and airlines.