India's DGCA Advises Airlines to Avoid Middle East Airspaces Amid Tensions

NEW DELHI: Aviation watchdog DGCA on Saturday advised airlines to avoid the airspaces of 11 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, till March 2 amid escalating tensions in theMiddle East.The countries listed in the advisory are Iran, Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.Israel-Iran War: AirIndia, IndiGo, Global Carriers Suspend Flights Amid West Asia Airspace ClosuresMany airspaces are already shut following the attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States on Saturday. Indian airlines have suspended services to several destinations in the Middle East as a precautionary measure.The advisory has been issued in alignment with international safety standards and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.Israel attacks IranIsrael Attack Iran Live Updates: Missiles strike US navy headquarters in Bahrain; explosions heard in Abu Dhabi, DohaUS, Israel attack Iran: AI Tel Aviv flight returning to IndiaIran attacks US military bases across Middle East in operation 'Truthful Promise 4'The regulator has asked airlines to refrain from operating within the 11 affected airspaces at all flight levels and altitudes.Carriers have also been directed to closely monitor updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the affected countries and national authorities to ensure compliance with evolving safety directives."This advisory is effective immediately and remains valid until March 02, 2026, unless reviewed or superseded by further developments," DGCA said. PTI