India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued an advisory asking airlines to avoid several airspaces in West Asia due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. The move is aimed at ensuring passenger safety and strengthening contingency planning for flight operations.

As per the directive, airlines have been asked to refrain from operating in the airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, operations over Oman and Saudi Arabia may be allowed under certain conditions.

The DGCA noted that recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran, along with Iran’s retaliatory actions, have created a high-risk environment for civil aviation. These developments have raised serious concerns around the safety of flight operations in the region.

In addition to avoiding specific airspaces, airlines have also been advised not to operate below FL320 (32,000 feet) in designated parts of Saudi Arabia and Oman. The regulator has stressed the importance of detailed safety assessments and strong contingency plans, including rerouting and diversions where required.

The advisory has come into effect immediately and will remain valid until March 28, unless reviewed earlier depending on the situation. Airlines have also been instructed to avoid flying in the affected airspaces at all altitudes.

"Operations to airports in the region, where international carriers continue to fly, must be backed by comprehensive contingency planning to address all possible scenarios," the DGCA said.

Further, carriers have been asked to keep flight crew updated with the latest NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen), which provide real-time updates on airspace conditions and restrictions.

Separately, airlines have issued travel advisories for passengers flying to and from Delhi and other cities due to weather conditions. IndiGo has indicated that flights in Delhi and Bengaluru may be slightly affected due to thundershowers, while Air India has highlighted possible disruptions caused by rain and gusty winds in the national capital and parts of north India.

With this advisory, the DGCA aims to ensure that airlines remain prepared and cautious while operating in sensitive regions, keeping safety as the top priority.