Civil Aviation Ministry activates its control room to assist travellers amid Middle East tensions

Flight operations have been hit due to tensions in the Middle East. Representational Pic/File

In view of the ongoing developments in the Middle East, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has activated its Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) to address grievances and queries raised by air travellers, an official statement said.

The ministry said the Control Room is closely monitoring passenger concerns received through social media platforms, the AirSewa portal and dedicated helpline numbers. Complaints are being prioritised to ensure quick redressal.

The statement said that 411 passenger grievances have been resolved so far during the current situation. The PACR is working in coordination with airlines and airport operators to provide timely assistance and minimise inconvenience to travellers.

Helpline numbers issued by Indian embassies in affected countries have also been shared with passengers to help them coordinate directly with diplomatic missions where necessary.

Passengers can seek help

Passengers facing difficulties can contact the ministry through its official social media platforms, the AirSewa portal, or by calling the helpline numbers:

- 011-24604283

- 011-24632987

The ministry said it remains committed to assisting travellers and ensuring support during the evolving situation.

Gulf flight services from Kerala disrupted for third day

Meanwhile, flight operations between Kerala and Gulf countries were disrupted for the third consecutive day on Monday amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Airport authorities indicated that the situation may continue for several more days, reported the PTI.

According to Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), around 45 departing flights from Kochi were cancelled on Monday. A similar number of incoming flights were also listed as cancelled on the airport's official website.

However, some services operated as scheduled. An Oman Air flight to Muscat departed at 8.10 am. Flights operated by Saudia to Jeddah and Riyadh, another Oman Air service to Muscat, an Etihad Airways flight to Abu Dhabi, and a SpiceJet flight to Dubai were also listed as scheduled, according to the PTI.

Airport operations affected

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited (TIAL) reported that 20 flights to the Gulf region were cancelled on Monday. Over the past three days, 65 services to and from Thiruvananthapuram airport have been called off, as per the PTI.

Airport sources confirmed that an Oman Air flight from Muscat arrived at 7.20 am and departed again at around 8.30 am.

Meanwhile, Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL) listed 10 Gulf-bound flights as cancelled.

At Calicut airport, around 20 flights remained cancelled. However, limited services continued to operate. Airlines including SalamAir, Oman Air, Flynas and Air Arabia operated select flights to destinations in Oman and Saudi Arabia, the news agency reported.

Airport authorities said airlines have established help desks and are coordinating with affected passengers. Officials added that disruptions are likely to persist until the conflict in West Asia eases.

(with PTI inputs)