At the high-level meeting, the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other senior officials of the ministry, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators, and major airport operators across India were present.
The meeting was focused on ensuring passenger safety, operational continuity and real-time coordination, keeping in mind the multiple airspace restrictions and NOTAMs issued in parts of the Middle East, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a press release.
Multiple global airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended flights across the Middle East after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, plunging the region into a renewed military confrontation.
In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to…— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026
Flight maps have shown the airspace over countries like Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel and Bahrain virtually empty.
The Civil Aviation Ministry said that Indian carriers operating international services have been advised to continuously monitor airspace advisories, NOTAMs, and route restrictions issued by the concerned authorities.
Further, airlines are directed to ensure timely re-routing or diversion of flights, wherever required. This needs to be done strictly in accordance with global safety protocols and established contingency planning procedures.
Moreover, airports across India, especially major international gateways, have been placed on operational alert to manage potential flight diversions, unscheduled landings and passenger facilitation requirements.
The AAI and private airport operators are advised to “maintain enhanced coordination with airlines for ground handling, parking bays, passenger amenities, crew logistics and immigration support, as necessary,” the press release stated.
Also, DGCA has been advised to stay in close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety regulations, along with crew duty time limitations and operational advisories.
In view of the ongoing situation, continuous monitoring mechanisms are being activated to assess the evolving airspace dynamics and further mitigate any cascading impact on domestic schedules.
The concerned ministry is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure seamless information flow and appropriate coordination in case of any emergent requirements, which involve Indian carriers or Indian nationals abroad.
Passengers have been urged to be in regular contact with their respective airlines to stay updated about travel information and schedule changes.
“Airlines have been instructed to proactively communicate with passengers regarding delays, rerouting, or diversions to minimise inconvenience. The safety of passengers and crew remains paramount. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation to ensure safe, orderly, and efficient air operations,” it added.
