New Delhi: Amid the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, India’s aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) advised airlines to avoid the airspaces of 11 countries. Tensions increased in the region after US and Israel jointly conducted raids on Iran on Saturday. Shortly after, Iran too reiterated with several attacks.
Among countries, the DGCA has asked airlines to avoid countriesinclude Iran, Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. While many airspaces have already shut down due to the prevailing crisis, several airlines in India have also suspended their services to the Middle East.
The DGCA has issued its advisory in accordance with international safety standards and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB). It has also asked airlines to closely monitor all updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs).
What DGCA advisory said?
“Due to evolving airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, flight operations to and from the Middle East are currently impacted. Passengers are advised to check and confirm their flight status with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport,” the advisory said.
Due to evolving airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, flight operations to and from the Middle East are currently impacted.
Passengers are advised to check and confirm their flight status with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport.…
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) February 28, 2026
It added, “For assistance, please contact the Passenger Assistance Control Room at 011-24604283 / 011-24632987 or reach out through our official social media platforms.
Civil Aviation Minister holds crucial meeting
Earlier, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu chaired a meeting on the prevailing crisis. Taking to X, he wrote, “Indian carriers have been advised to continuously monitor airspace advisories and NOTAMs and undertake timely rerouting or diversions wherever required, strictly in line with global safety protocols”.
“Major airports are on operational alert to manage potential diversions and ensure seamless passenger facilitation. DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations,” he wrote further.