Ministry of Civil Aviation Operational Update – West Asia Airspace Situation

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively monitoring the West Asia airspace situation and its impact on flight operations. As of March 3, 2026, 1,221 Indian carrier flights and 388 foreign carrier flights have been cancelled due to ongoing issues. Special arrangements are being made to facilitate stranded passengers, and airlines are advised on safety and communication protocols. Further updates will be provided as necessary. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Impact of West Asia Airspace Situation:** * Ongoing monitoring by the Ministry of Civil Aviation of the evolving airspace situation in West Asia. * Significant cancellations: 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign carriers have been cancelled to date. * **Airline Operations and Adjustments:** * Indian carriers are making calibrated schedule adjustments, resuming long-haul and ultra long-haul operations via alternative, restricted-airspace-avoiding routes. * Special arrangements are in place for stranded passengers, including additional airline capacity and coordination with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad. * 24 flights operated by Indian carriers today; Emirates and Etihad operated 9 flights from the Gulf in the last 24 hours. * Indian carriers are planning 58 flights on March 4th, including IndiGo (30), Air India (23), and Air India Express. * Foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf are conducting limited operations, subject to operational and airspace considerations. * **Passenger Safety and Communication:** * Passenger safety is paramount. * Airlines are advised to maintain transparent communication with passengers. * Airlines must ensure adherence to regulatory requirements for refunds, rescheduling, and passenger assistance. * **Airfare Monitoring:** * The Ministry is continuously monitoring airfares to prevent undue surges in ticket prices. * **Passenger Guidance:** * Passengers are advised to check flight status directly with their airlines before traveling to the airport. * Passengers should rely solely on official sources for updates. * **Inter-Agency Coordination:** * The Ministry is coordinating with airlines, airport operators, regulatory authorities, and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure safe operations, orderly service restoration, and facilitation of affected passengers. **Impact Analysis** * **Indian Carriers** * **Impact:** Experiencing flight cancellations and re-routing due to the West Asia airspace situation. * **Action Required:** Adjusting schedules, deploying additional capacity for stranded passengers, and maintaining transparent communication with passengers regarding refunds, rescheduling, and assistance. * **Foreign Carriers (operating between India and the Gulf)** * **Impact:** Conducting limited operations subject to operational and airspace constraints. * **Action Required:** Ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements for passenger assistance and refunds. * **Passengers** * **Impact:** Facing flight cancellations and potential disruptions to travel plans. * **Action Required:** Checking flight status directly with airlines before proceeding to the airport and relying on official sources for updates. * **Ministry of Civil Aviation** * **Impact:** Actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring passenger safety. * **Action Required:** Continuing monitoring, ensuring transparent communication from airlines, preventing airfare surges, and facilitating orderly restoration of services. * **Ministry of External Affairs** * **Impact:** Involved in coordinating efforts to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers abroad. * **Action Required:** Continuing coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and airlines to ensure safe operations and passenger facilitation.

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