India DGCA Advises Avoiding West Asian Airspace Amid Conflict

India's aviation regulator has issued an urgent advisory directing airlines to avoid airspace over nine West Asian countries amid escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, leading to widespread flight cancellations and operational disruptions for carriers like Air India.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released the advisory on Friday, effective immediately and valid until March 28 unless updated. It instructs operators to refrain from flying in the airspaces of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates at all flight levels and altitudes. Flights over Oman and Saudi Arabia are permitted but restricted below 32,000 feet in specified areas, subject to strict safety risk assessments and contingency planning. The regulator highlighted risks including cruise and ballistic missiles, high-altitude air defenses, and potential spillover effects such as misidentification of civilian aircraft. Airlines must update flight crews with the latest notices to airmen (NOTAMs) and prepare for emergencies, including extended diversion times.

The measures stem from the conflict that began on February 28, which...