Cancel all flights to UAE and at-risk Gulf nations, say Indian pilots

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seeking the immediate suspension of flights to the UAE and other high-risk Gulf destinations, citing the deteriorating security situation in West Asia.

The pilots’ body said on Monday, July 20, the safety of passengers and crew must take precedence until an independent threat assessment of the prevailing security situation is completed.

In its communication, ALPA India warned that civil aircraft operating into or over conflict-affected regions remain exposed to multiple risks beyond direct military activity. These include the possibility of misidentification, missile engagements, electronic warfare, GPS interference, rapidly changing airspace restrictions, and limitations in timely intelligence available to flight crews.
The association said such risks significantly increase operational uncertainty and cautioned that “the consequences of a misjudgement in such an environment are potentially catastrophic.”

ALPA India urged the aviation authorities to take precautionary measures and reassess flight operations to the affected regions until the security situation stabilises.