US-Israel-Iran Conflict: DGCA Advisory & Indian Flight Cancellations | Air Travel Impact

Air Travel Impact - Middle East Conflict:

A major military escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has triggered widespread disruption in international air travel. The conflict—stemming from US-Israel strikes on Iranian territory and subsequent regional responses—has led to airspace closures, flight cancellations, and emergency safety advisories for airlines worldwide.  

🔔 DGCA Advisory for Indian Airlines

In response to the volatile security environment, India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a safety advisory for Indian carriers operating international flights. 

Key Points of the DGCA Advisory

• ✈️ Airlines are advised to avoid flying through the airspace of 11 Middle East and Persian Gulf countries until 2 March 2026, unless reviewed. The affected regions include:

  • Iran

  • Israel

  • Saudi Arabia

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  • Bahrain

  • Kuwait

  • Qatar

  • Oman

  • Iraq

  • Jordan

  • Lebanon

• 🚫 The advisory applies to all flight levels and altitudes, meaning carriers must refrain from overflying these regions wherever feasible.

• 📜 DGCA has instructed airlines to closely monitor Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by national and foreign aviation authorities, which govern temporary airspace restrictions.

• 📅 The advisory is effective immediately and remains valid through March 2, 2026, unless superseded by further updates.

✈️ Indian Airlines Cancel Flights, Suspend Services

Due to the advisory and widespread regional airspace closures, multiple Indian carriers have cancelled or suspended flights, especially on routes involving the Middle East and beyond:

• 🚫 Air India has cancelled multiple services to Middle Eastern destinations and some long-haul flights to Europe and North America, citing safety concerns.

• ✈️ IndiGo has suspended flights to and from Middle East hubs and offered flexibility for refunds and rebooking through early March.

• 🛫 Air India Express extended suspension of westbound international flights into late February or early March.

• 🧳 Other carriers such as Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and others have also reported cancellations and route adjustments.

News reports estimate that at least 170 flights involving Indian carriers have been cancelled due to the conflict’s impact on aviation operations.

🧠 Why This Advisory Matters

🧭 Safety First

The DGCA’s main priority is ensuring passenger and crew safety. The advisory aligns with recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), which classifies certain Middle East airspaces as high-risk.

🗺 Revised Flight Planning

Carriers must update flight plans, avoid affected regions, and be prepared for longer flight routes, which may increase travel times and associated costs.

👨‍✈️ NOTAMs & AIPs Compliance

Monitoring NOTAMs and AIPs helps airlines stay updated on dynamic airspace regulations, ensuring decisions are based on the latest safety information.

🧳 Tips for Affected Passengers

If your flight has been cancelled, rescheduled, or rerouted, consider the following:

• 📞 Contact your airline directly for alternative travel options, refunds, or rebooking.

• 📱 Track real-time flight status through airline apps or airport websites.

• 🧑‍💼 Confirm refund and rescheduling policies, as many carriers are waiving change fees amid this situation.

• 🗓 Allow extra time for travel plans — rerouted flights may take longer than expected.

FAQ – US-Israel-Iran Conflict & Indian Air Travel

Q1. Why has the DGCA issued an advisory to airlines?
Because the security situation in the Middle East is evolving rapidly following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, and significant parts of the region’s airspace are considered high-risk. The DGCA wants airlines to avoid these zones for safety.

Q2. Which airspaces are Indian airlines advised to avoid?
Airspaces over Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, and Lebanon are affected.

Q3. Until when is the advisory valid?
The DGCA advisory is valid at least until March 2, 2026, unless revised.

Q4. Are international flights still flying?
Many flights have been cancelled, suspended, or rerouted; however, some services may continue via alternate corridors outside the affected airspace.

Q5. What should passengers do if their flights are impacted?
They should contact airlines for refunds or rebookings and regularly check flight updates.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Why are flights to the Middle East cancelled?
Due to airspace closures and safety concerns amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Can airlines fly around conflict zones?
Yes — by using alternate routes that avoid the affected airspaces, although this may increase flight time.

Is Indian air travel returning to normal?
Operations continue to adjust, depending on geopolitical developments and safety advisories.

Conclusion

The ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict has had immediate and significant repercussions on global air travel — including Indian aviation. The DGCA’s advisory to avoid multiple Middle East airspaces underscores the seriousness of the situation and the emphasis on flight safety over schedules. With hundreds of flights cancelled and routes suspended or rerouted, passengers should stay informed, stay flexible, and prioritise communication with airlines as developments continue to unfold.