The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday asked airlines to avoid 11 airspaces, citing risks in the West Asian and Persian Gulf regions. It also said that the warning will remain in effect until March 28, 2025.
Recent military strikes led by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran have created a high-risk environment for civil aviation, with Tehran’s retaliation likely to further affect regional airspace, the advisory said.
The aviation watchdog also warned of numerous risks, including potential attacks on US and Israeli assets, which could affect not only Iranian airspace but also neighboring countries. She noted increased risks from ongoing military operations and drew attention to the possibility of operational errors.
Which regions are at risk?
The advisory stated that the high risk zone includes all altitudes and flight levels, unless otherwise specified, in the following Flight Information Areas (FIRs). The DGCA has asked airlines to avoid the following regions:
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Kuwait
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Bahrain
- Catarrh
- Oman
In line with international safety standards, the regulator advised all Indian operators to refrain from operating in the affected airspace at all altitudes and flight levels specified in the advisory, except under specific conditions.
“Any further operation would be at the discretion of the operator based on their assessment of the security risks,” he noted.
Airline operators were specifically instructed not to fly below FL320 in the airspace of Saudi Arabia and Oman. In cases where operations are conducted in permitted areas, airlines must implement robust monitoring systems, the advisory said.
DGCA emphasizes the need for a contingency plan
The DGCA also emphasized the need for comprehensive emergency planning for flights that are operated to airports in the affected region, particularly where international carriers currently operate.
“Carefully monitor all updated Aviation Information Publications (AIPs) and NOTAMs issued by affected countries and national authorities,” the regulator said in an advisory.
NOTAM refers to Notice to Airmen, which provides real-time airspace and airport updates to pilots and aircrew.
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Along with these 11 affected airspaces, the advisory also noted that previous warnings regarding airspace over Syria and Yemen remain in full effect. This latest advisory will remain in effect until March 28 unless revised or superseded by further developments.
Earlier this month, the DGCA issued a similar advisory strongly urging all Indian carriers to avoid flying over West Asian and Persian Gulf airspace as tensions escalate.
Are there any signs of easing in the US-Iranian conflict?
The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its third week with no clear signs of de-escalation. It began on February 28, when coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate by attacking US military bases in the Middle East.
In the past 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 Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.
Despite dealing with the most serious threats to its regime to date, Tehran has signaled a willingness to prolong the conflict, an attempt to reshape the wider Middle East region in its favor, according to CNN.
