The Government of India has issued a key aviation advisory amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States continues to intensify. In view of passenger safety, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to avoid flying over conflict-affected regions. The regulator identified 11 countries whose airspace has been deemed unsafe under current conditions.
The restricted list includes Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, as well as Gulf nations such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Officials warned that the evolving conflict makes these airspaces highly volatile and potentially dangerous for civilian aircraft.
In addition, the DGCA has issued specific operational guidelines regarding flight altitude. Airlines have been instructed that if flights must pass near these regions under unavoidable circumstances, they should not operate below Flight Level 320 (approximately 32,000 feet). Aviation experts noted that flying at lower altitudes increases vulnerability to missile or aerial threats during active conflict situations.
Security agencies have also flagged the risk of possible retaliatory strikes by Iran following recent joint operations by the United States and Israel. Such developments could further destabilize the region and disrupt international aviation routes. As a result, flights from India to Europe and the United States are likely to be rerouted, leading to longer travel durations and potential fare increases. Passengers have been advised to monitor airline updates while planning their journeys.