DGCA asks airlines to avoid 9 West Asia airspaces, restrict flying below 32,000 feet

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India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed airlines to avoid operating in multiple West Asia airspaces amid escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, citing heightened risks to civil aviation, reported news agency IANS.

The advisory, issued as part of enhanced safety protocols, will remain in force until March 28 unless reviewed earlier.

Airlines told to avoid 9 high-risk airspaces

The DGCA has instructed carriers to refrain from flying through the airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, reported IANS.

The regulator said the ongoing conflict and recent military strikes have created a volatile and high-risk environment for commercial flight operations.

Conditional operations over Oman and Saudi Arabia

Flights over Oman and Saudi Arabia may be permitted, but only under strict conditions. Airlines have been advised not to operate below Flight Level 320 (32,000 feet) in designated areas of these airspaces, reported IANS.

This restriction is aimed at minimising exposure to potential threats in lower altitudes.

Safety assessments and contingency plans mandated

The DGCA has emphasised the need for comprehensive safety risk assessments and robust contingency planning. Airlines have been asked to prepare for possible rerouting, diversions and disruptions due to evolving geopolitical conditions, reported IANS.

"Operations to airports in the region must be backed by comprehensive contingency planning to address all possible scenarios," the regulator said, reported IANS.

Mandatory compliance with real-time advisories

Airlines have also been directed to ensure that flight crews are regularly updated with Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), which provide real-time information on airspace restrictions and operational hazards.

The DGCA stressed that carriers must avoid operating in the affected airspaces at all altitudes unless explicitly permitted.

Impact on flight operations likely

The advisory is expected to lead to longer flight routes, increased fuel consumption and possible delays on international sectors, particularly flights connecting India with Europe and North America.

Weather disruptions add to challenges

Separately, airlines have issued advisories warning of possible delays due to adverse weather conditions in parts of India.

IndiGo said flights to and from Delhi and Bengaluru may be affected by thundershowers, while Air India flagged rain and gusty winds in the national capital and northern regions, reported IANS.

The combined impact of geopolitical tensions and weather disruptions is likely to affect flight schedules in the coming days.

(With inputs from IANS)