Amid rising tensions in West Asia, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday issued a strong advisory asking airlines to avoid several high-risk airspaces in the Gulf region and implement strict safety measures.
Which Airspaces Are Restricted?
The DGCA has advised airlines to completely avoid flying over the airspaces of:
Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The regulator warned that airlines should “refrain from operating within the affected airspace at all flight levels and altitudes,” citing serious safety concerns due to ongoing military tensions.
Limited Operations Allowed with Conditions
Indian carriers have been permitted to operate flights over Oman and Saudi Arabia, but only under strict conditions. The DGCA has directed airlines not to fly below 32,000 feet (FL320) in certain sensitive zones within these regions.
Why Has DGCA Issued This Warning?
The advisory comes after recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets inside Iran, which have significantly increased risks for civil aviation. Iran has also announced retaliatory actions, further escalating the situation.
The DGCA noted that the current environment poses “critical hazards” to flight operations, making it unsafe for civilian aircraft in affected zones.
Airlines Told to Prepare for Emergencies
Airlines have been instructed to prepare robust contingency plans for any operations in or near the affected region. The regulator stressed that any decision to continue flights would depend on the airline’s own safety risk assessment.
Advisory Valid Till March 28
The DGCA said the advisory is effective immediately and will remain in force until March 28, unless revised based on further developments.
It has also asked airlines to keep flight crews updated with the latest NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen), which provide real-time information on airspace restrictions and safety alerts.
Impact on Passengers
The advisory could lead to flight rerouting, delays, or cancellations on routes passing through the Gulf region. Passengers travelling internationally may face longer travel times as airlines adjust routes to ensure safety.
With tensions continuing to rise, aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any risk to passenger safety.
