DGCA Directs Airlines to Limit Altitude and Restrict Airspace Travel

DGCA Advises Airlines to Avoid Key West Asia Airspaces Amid Rising Conflict Risks​

New Delhi, March 20 (Friday): India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a directive to airlines to avoid operating in several West Asian airspaces due to escalating tensions linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. The move is aimed at strengthening safety risk assessments and ensuring preparedness for potential disruptions.

Airspaces Restricted Across Conflict-Prone Regions​

The DGCA has instructed flight operators to refrain from flying over multiple countries in the region, including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The advisory comes in response to a rapidly evolving security environment following recent military strikes and retaliatory actions.

However, the regulator has stated that operations over Oman and Saudi Arabia may continue, but only under specific conditions. Airlines have also been directed to avoid flying below FL320, or 32,000 feet, in designated parts of these two airspaces.

Rising Security Concerns Impact Aviation Operations​

According to the DGCA, recent military activity involving the United States and Israel targeting locations in Iran has significantly increased risks for civil aviation. The situation has further intensified due to Iran’s retaliatory measures, creating a volatile and high-risk operational environment for airlines.

The regulator has emphasized that airlines must conduct comprehensive safety risk assessments and establish robust contingency plans. These plans should account for possible rerouting, diversions, and other operational challenges that may arise due to the restricted airspaces.

Advisory Effective Immediately Till March 28​

The directive has come into immediate effect and will remain valid until March 28, unless reviewed earlier based on further developments. Airlines have been explicitly instructed to avoid operating within the affected airspaces at all flight levels and altitudes.

The DGCA also stressed that any operations to airports within the region must be supported by detailed contingency strategies to manage unforeseen scenarios effectively.

Airlines Asked to Stay Updated with NOTAMs​

As part of operational safety, airlines have been directed to ensure that flight crews remain updated with the latest NOTAMs, or Notices to Airmen. These updates provide critical real-time information on airspace restrictions and changing operational conditions.

Weather Conditions Add to Travel Disruptions​

Separately, airlines have issued travel advisories highlighting potential disruptions due to adverse weather conditions in India. IndiGo indicated that flights to and from Delhi and Bengaluru could face minor delays due to expected thundershowers. Air India also warned of persistent rain and gusty winds affecting operations in the national capital and parts of north India.

The combined impact of geopolitical tensions and weather-related challenges is expected to keep flight operations under close watch in the coming days.