The Indian Air Force Pilots Association (ALPA) on Thursday urged aircrews operating in specific West Asian corridors to maintain “heightened situational awareness” and conduct rigorous operational risk assessments due to ongoing hostilities in the region.
In releasing the formal advisory, ALPA recognized the increased threats to civil aviation and urged employees to stay current on their aviation insurance policies.
Instructions appear during the course Western Asia a conflict that escalated after US and Israeli attacks on February 28, resulting in the subsequent closure of airspace and logistical obstacles for commercial carriers.
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What does ALPA counseling say?
The association recommended that pilots thoroughly review all mission briefings, NOTAMs and internal corporate directives before departure.
ALPA wrote: “Recent geopolitical developments and escalating military tensions in several areas of the Middle East have resulted in increased risks to civil aviation operations. These include the potential for airspace closures, missile and drone activity, electronic warfare jamming, and the potential for misidentification of civilian aircraft operating in or transiting affected areas.”
“While operators can continue to plan flights through certain airspaces based on regulatory clearances or operational considerations, pilots must be aware that the risk environment in these areas can change rapidly and without adequate warning,” the advisory said.
Requiring pilots and flight crews to review their insurance policies, ALPA emphasized that insurance underwriters can cancel or limit coverage for flights entering designated combat zones.
“Furthermore, members are advised to be aware of the potential implications related to aviation insurance coverage, particularly with respect to war risk clauses. Under certain circumstances, insurance providers may cancel or limit coverage for operations conducted in designated conflict zones or high-risk airspace. In such situations, there may be ambiguity regarding the extent of insurance coverage available to crew members,” ALPA wrote.
“Ensure the operator conducts a proper operational risk assessment for all flights planned in or near conflict-affected areas. Exercise professional judgment and raise safety concerns through established reporting channels when appropriate,” the association said.
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“ALPA India reiterates that the safety and security of flight crews and passengers must remain a top priority. Members should not hesitate to seek clarification or raise legitimate safety concerns if they believe that operational risks have not been adequately mitigated. ALPA India continues to closely monitor developments and remains in touch with the relevant authorities and international pilot associations to ensure that the concerns of Indian pilots are properly represented,” he adds.
More than 2.80 million citizens are returning to India from the Gulf countries
At the same time, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that approximately 280,000 citizens have successfully repatriated to India from West Asia.
MEA Joint Secretary (Gulf), Aseem Mahajan, noted that while some countries are still facing disruptions, the general state of flight operations is showing steady signs of recovery.
“Though there have been operational shutdowns in some countries, the overall flight situation continues to improve with more flights operating. About 2,80,000 passengers have returned to India from the region since February 28,” Mahajan said.
