During this high-level meeting, the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with other senior officials from the ministry, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators, and major airport operators across India were in attendance.
The focus of the meeting was to ensure passenger safety, maintain operational continuity, and facilitate real-time coordination amidst the various airspace restrictions and NOTAMs issued in different parts of the Middle East, as highlighted in a Ministry of Civil Aviation press release.
NOTAM, or Notice to Air Mission, is a critical, time-sensitive notice issued by aviation authorities to inform pilots, airlines, and personnel about essential, temporary information related to hazards, infrastructure, or operational restrictions along flight paths or at airports, according to the Airports Authority of India.
Several international airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have halted flights across the Middle East following strikes launched by Israel and the US on Iran, which have escalated military tensions in the region.
In light of the evolving situation in the Middle East, all Air India flights to various destinations in the region have been suspended. We remain dedicated to upholding the highest safety standards for our passengers and crew. We will continue to…— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026
Flight maps indicate that the airspace over countries such as Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain is nearly empty.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has advised Indian carriers providing international services to consistently monitor airspace advisories, NOTAMs, and route restrictions as dictated by relevant authorities.
Additionally, airlines are instructed to ensure timely re-routing or diversion of flights, when necessary, strictly adhering to global safety protocols and established contingency planning procedures.
Furthermore, airports throughout India, particularly major international gateways, have been placed on operational alert to handle potential flight diversions, unscheduled landings, and the needs of passengers.
According to the press release, the AAI and private airport operators are encouraged to “boost coordination with airlines for ground handling, parking bays, passenger amenities, crew logistics, and immigration support, as required.”
Moreover, the DGCA has been advised to maintain close collaboration with airlines to ensure adherence to safety regulations, including crew duty time limitations and operational advisories.
In light of the ongoing situation, continuous monitoring mechanisms are being implemented to evaluate the evolving dynamics of airspace and further reduce any potential impact on domestic schedules.
The concerned ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure a smooth flow of information and appropriate collaboration concerning any urgent needs involving Indian carriers or nationals abroad.
Passengers are encouraged to stay in regular contact with their respective airlines for updates on travel information and schedule changes.
“Airlines have been directed to actively inform passengers about delays, rerouting, or diversions to minimize inconvenience. The safety of passengers and crew is our top priority. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely observing the situation to maintain safe, orderly, and efficient air operations,” it remarked.
