West Asia Tensions Force Indian Airlines to Adjust Flight Operations
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and its possible impact on air travel between India and the region. According to the ministry, efforts are underway to ensure that flight services continue smoothly while prioritising passenger safety and operational stability.
Officials stated that Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu is personally overseeing developments and maintaining constant communication with airlines and other stakeholders. The ministry emphasised that coordinated measures are being taken to respond swiftly to any disruption that could affect flight operations or passenger movement.
Data shared by the ministry shows that Indian carriers operated 45 inbound flights from West Asia on March 9, carrying 7,047 passengers to India. Authorities said airlines are making operational adjustments in response to the situation, while maintaining a strong focus on safety and continuity of services.
To prevent inconvenience for travellers, the government is also monitoring airfare trends. Officials said ticket prices are being closely tracked to ensure that airlines do not impose unreasonable fare hikes during this period of uncertainty.
Several airlines have already modified their operational plans. According to the ministry, Air India and Air India Express are scheduled to operate flights to Riyadh starting March 12. Meanwhile, IndiGo is expected to launch a Mumbai–Riyadh–Mumbai service from Thursday. The government added that SpiceJet has been granted approvals to use alternative airports if required, ensuring flexibility and maintaining safety standards in the region.
The ministry further stated that Akasa Air has been advised to align its planned Mumbai–Riyadh–Mumbai service with prevailing operational conditions. The airline is currently scheduled to begin flights on the route from March 12, depending on the situation.
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Authorities also noted that Indian airlines have sought additional operational flexibility to manage passenger movement effectively and provide evacuation assistance if needed. In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has coordinated with relevant authorities to facilitate extra arrival and departure slots.
Additionally, Muscat International Airport has been approved as an alternative en-route airport for flights travelling to and from destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras-al-Khaimah, Al-Ain, Fujairah, Jeddah, and Medina. Officials believe these arrangements will help maintain continuity in air travel while ensuring passenger safety amid the changing conditions in West Asia.