The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday urged airlines to avoid 11 airspaces, citing heightened risks in West Asia and the Persian Gulf. The advisory will remain in force until 28 March 2026.
According to the regulator, recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran have created a high-risk environment for civil aviation. Tehran’s retaliatory actions are likely to further impact the regional airspace.
The DGCA warned of multiple hazards, including potential attacks on US and Israeli assets, which could affect not only Iranian airspace but also neighbouring countries. It also flagged risks arising from ongoing military operations and the possibility of operational errors.
Which regions are at risk?
The advisory said the high-risk zone covers all altitudes and flight levels, unless otherwise specified, across the following Flight Information Regions (FIRs). Airlines have been asked to avoid operations in:
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Kuwait
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Bahrain
- Qatar
- Oman
In alignment with international safety standards, the regulator advised all Indian operators to refrain from operating within the affected airspace at all altitudes and flight levels listed in the advisory, except under specific conditions.
“Any continued operations would be at the discretion of the Operator based on their Safety Risk Assessment,” it noted.
Flight operators have been specifically instructed not to operate below FL320 within the airspace of Saudi Arabia and Oman. In cases where operations are undertaken in permitted areas, airlines must implement robust monitoring systems, the advisory reads.
DGCA stresses the need for a contingency plan
The DGCA also emphasised the need for comprehensive contingency planning for flights that are operating to airports in the affected region, especially where international carriers are currently operating.
“Closely monitor all updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and NOTAMs issued by the affected countries and national authorities,” the regulator said in the advisory.
NOTAM refers to Notice to Airmen, which provides real-time updates about airspace and airports to pilots and crew.
Along with these 11 affected airspaces, the advisory also noted that previous advisories regarding the airspace over Syria and Yemen remain in full effect. This latest advisory will remain valid until March 28, unless it is reviewed or superseded by further developments.
Earlier this month, DGCA released a similar advisory, strongly urging all Indian carriers to avoid flying through West Asian and Persian Gulf airspace amid escalating tensions.
Are there any signs of the US-Iran conflict easing?
The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its third week with no clear sign of de-escalation. It began on 28 February, when coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with an attack across US military bases in the Middle East.
In the last three weeks, Iran has lost several of its top leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, and the Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.
Despite Tehran dealing with the most serious threats to its regime yet, it has signalled a willingness to prolong the conflict, which is an attempt to reshape the wider Middle East region in its favour, according to CNN.
