New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator has directed airlines to avoid flying through 11 airspaces across the Middle East, warning that the region currently presents a high risk environment for civil aviation due to escalating geopolitical tensions.
The advisory identifies airspace over Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait as high risk zones. Airlines have been instructed to avoid these areas at all flight levels as a precautionary measure. The directive will remain in effect until March 28 unless reviewed earlier.
The order was issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which has also asked Indian carriers to put strong contingency plans in place for flights operating to destinations within the affected region. Airlines have been advised to carry out detailed safety risk assessments to prepare for any unexpected developments.
In addition to the airspace restrictions, the regulator has issued a specific operational instruction for flights passing through parts of the region. Aircraft have been directed not to fly below flight level 320 over Saudi Arabia and Oman. In aviation terms, this means planes must maintain an altitude of at least 32,000 feet above standard sea level pressure to reduce exposure to potential ground based threats or conflict related risks.
The warning comes as tensions in West Asia remain volatile following military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on targets inside Iran. The possibility of retaliatory actions has raised concerns about the safety of civilian flight operations across the wider region.
Airlines have also been instructed to ensure that flight crews receive the latest Notices to Airmen, commonly known as NOTAMs, which provide real time updates about airspace restrictions, hazards and operational conditions.
The regulator has emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring and strict vigilance wherever operations continue in permitted areas. Earlier advisories issued to avoid the airspaces of Syria and Yemen remain in force, reflecting the continued instability affecting aviation safety in parts of the region.
