India issues aviation alert as airlines suspend West Asia flights amid airspace restrictions

New Delhi: With escalating tension in West Asia after Israel and the US launching an attack on Iran, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday asked Indian airlines to continuously monitor airspace restrictions and to ensure timely rerouting or diversion of flights.

Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo said they have temporarily suspended flights to and from West Asia following the developments in the region. An Air India Delhi-Tel Aviv flight was diverted to Mumbai due to the closure of Israeli airspace with Flightradar24.com saying that it was airborne for over five hours and decided to return when it was in Saudi Arabian airspace.

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu chaired a high-level meeting to review preparedness and response measures in civil aviation sector. Officials from the Ministry Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators and major airport operators attended the meeting which was held through video-conferencing.

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, an official statement said.

"Indian carriers operating international services have been advised to continuously monitor airspace advisories, NOTAMs, and route restrictions issued by the concerned authorities. 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," it said.

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, it said, adding that 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.

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. Further, continuous monitoring mechanisms should be activated to assess the evolving airspace dynamics and mitigate any cascading impact on domestic schedules.

The statement said the Ministry of Civil Aviation is 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 minimize inconvenience," it said.

While IndiGo said it has temporarily suspended flights to and from West Asia following airspace restrictions around Iran till 12 midnight, Air India and Air India Express suspended flights to West Asia and west-bound flights respectively.

IndiGo services have been suspended to and from Dubai, Jeddah, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Bahrain, Sharjah, Kuwait and Ras Al-Khaimah. The airline said these measures have been instituted as the safety and security of its customers and crew is the highest priority.

"Our teams are continuously monitoring the evolving situation and recalibrating operations to minimise disruption as much as possible," it added.

An Air India Express spokesperson said the airline has suspended all westbound international flights in view of the developing situation in parts of the Gulf Region.

"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," the spokesperson said.

Impacted guests are being notified directly on their registered contact details while guests are advised to check their flight status on airindiaexpress.com and ensure their contact information is up to date, the airline said.

In a statement, Air India said it has suspended all its West Asia-bound flights in view of the developing situation in the region.

"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 post on X.

"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," it said.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport also 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.