New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday issued an urgent safety advisory directing airlines to avoid operating in the airspace of 11 West Asian countries amid escalating tensions following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The advisory, which takes immediate effect, will remain valid until March 2, 2026, unless modified in view of further developments.
11 Countries Under Airspace Advisory
The DGCA has asked carriers to refrain from flying through the airspace of the following countries at all flight levels and altitudes:
- Iran
- Israel
- Lebanon
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Qatar
Several of these airspaces have already been shut after the strikes on Iran triggered heightened military activity across the region.
Indian airlines have also suspended services to multiple Middle Eastern destinations as a precautionary measure.
Advisory Aligned With Global Safety Standards
The DGCA said the move is in line with international aviation safety protocols and aligns with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB).
Airlines have been instructed to closely monitor all updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by affected countries and relevant authorities.
“This advisory is effective immediately and remains valid until March 02, 2026, unless reviewed or superseded by further developments,” the regulator said.
A NOTAM is issued to notify pilots and airlines about changes or hazards in airspace, including closures, military activity, or other safety concerns requiring civilian aircraft to avoid certain routes.
57 Flights Cancelled at Mumbai Airport
The ripple effects of the advisory were already visible at Mumbai’s international gateway.
According to airport sources, 57 flights — including both domestic and international services — were cancelled at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport till 5:45 pm on Saturday due to airspace restrictions and multiple NOTAMs related to West Asia.
Of the total cancellations:
- 24 were arrivals
- 33 were departures
Airport authorities and airlines are coordinating to manage passenger disruptions, rerouting aircraft where possible, and facilitating refunds or rescheduling.
Government Reviews Aviation Preparedness
Following the regional escalation, the government conducted a high-level review of aviation preparedness.
Airlines have been asked to ensure timely rerouting or diversion of flights wherever required, strictly in accordance with established global safety protocols and contingency planning procedures.
The DGCA reiterated in its urgent advisory that all domestic air operators and relevant stakeholders must avoid operating in the affected airspaces at all altitudes until further notice.
Growing Impact on International Travel
The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have led to widespread airspace closures, forcing airlines globally to reconsider flight paths, increase fuel planning for longer routes, and manage scheduling disruptions.
With India maintaining extensive connectivity to Gulf nations — home to millions of Indian expatriates — the advisory is expected to have significant operational and commercial implications if the situation persists.
Authorities continue to monitor developments closely, and further updates are likely depending on how the regional security situation evolves.