NEW DELHI — Flight operations between India and West Asia have been severely disrupted following the outbreak of conflict in the region, with more than 10,000 flights operated by Indian carriers canceled so far, a senior government official said Tuesday.
Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said Indian airlines that previously operated about 300 to 350 daily flights to West Asia are now running only 80 to 90 flights per day.
The steep decline underscores the scale of disruption caused by the ongoing conflict, which has triggered widespread airspace restrictions and safety concerns across key international routes.
The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, leading to escalating tensions and flight safety risks in the region.
The latest figures represent a sharp increase from earlier data shared in Parliament. On March 16, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu told the Lok Sabha that Indian carriers had canceled more than 4,335 flights, while foreign airlines canceled up to 1,187 flights due to rising tensions in West Asia.
“Indian carriers have canceled 4,335 flights and foreign carriers have canceled up to 1,187 flights. The first thing we have to remember is safety. If the airspace itself is closed, there is no need for us to operate in this area,” the minister said.
He explained that flight operations are suspended whenever airspace in conflict zones is closed, making it unsafe for aircraft to operate.
Despite the disruption, a significant number of passengers have continued to travel. The minister noted that nearly 219,000 passengers flew during the early phase of the crisis even as tensions remained high.
Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, are closely monitoring developments and maintaining constant communication with international counterparts.
Officials said normal flight operations will resume only after airspace restrictions are lifted and safety conditions improve. (Source: IANS)
