Parliament Question: Measures for flights and passengers affected by the closure of the West Asian Air Corridor

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3365 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd March 2026 MEASURES FOR FLIGHTS AND PASSENGERS AFFECTED BY THE CLOSURE OF THE WEST ASIAN AIR CORRIDOR 3365. SMT DARSHANA SINGH DR. PARMAR JASHVANTHSINH SALAMSINH DR. ANIL SUKHDEORAO BONDE SHRI UJJWAL DEORAO NIKAM SHRI ASHOKRAO SHANKARRAO CHAVAN Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the financial impact on Indian airlines has been assessed due to the cancellation of over 350 international flights due to the closure of the West Asian air corridor in March, 2026; (b) the manner in which coordination is being carried out with the Ministry of External Affairs to provide emergency transit visas to stranded Indian passengers; (c) the details of high-risk airspace alert protocols established by the DGCA; (d) whether a full refund or free rescheduling has been ensured for affected passengers; and (e) whether alternative routes over Central Asia are being subsidised to prevent fare surges? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a): The situation arising from the closure of the West Asian air corridor and its impact on flight operations is being closely monitored by the Ministry. The associated financial implications are evolving and appropriate measures are being taken as required by the Ministry in consultation with airlines and other stakeholders. (b): The Indian Missions in the West Asian region have been closely coordinating with host Governments to facilitate the return of stranded Indian nationals. i. The Mission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Indian Missions in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE, has enabled transit of over 3,500 persons through Saudi Arabia with the support of Saudi authorities (as of 17 March 2026).ii. The Mission in Doha (Qatar), assistance has been extended through passenger registration, coordination for limited flights and support for accommodation and emergency cases. iii. The Mission in Abu Dhabi, in coordination with local authorities, has assisted affected nationals by securing exemptions from visa overstay fines. (c): DGCA has established a robust mechanism for monitoring high-risk airspace, including issuance of regular advisories, NOTAMs, and real-time risk assessments in coordination with relevant international agencies to ensure safety of operations. (d): Indian carriers are offering full refunds and free rescheduling for affected passengers (e): Ministry of Civil Aviation is in constant coordination with airlines and closely monitoring airfares to ensure that ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge in airfare during this period. ******