Airspace Risk Advisory Issued Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
DGCA Advises Indian Airlines to Avoid 11 Middle East Airspaces: Amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel in the Middle East, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday issued an advisory to Indian airlines to avoid 11 high-risk airspaces. The advisory is valid until March 28, 2026.
The DGCA cited the ongoing joint US-Israel military strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions as creating a high-risk environment for civil aviation. The advisory highlights threats such as potential attacks on military and civilian assets and operational risks due to ongoing military activity in the Gulf region.
1. High-Risk Airspaces
The advisory covers all altitudes within the Flight Information Regions (FIRs) of the following countries:
- Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait.
- Airlines are instructed to avoid flying at all altitudes in these regions except under special circumstances.
- Flights over Saudi Arabia and Oman should not operate below FL320 (flight level 32,000 feet).
2. Safety and Contingency Measures
- Airlines must implement robust surveillance systems in areas where flights are permitted.
- Contingency plans are required for flights to airports in the affected region.
- Airlines must monitor updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and NOTAMs issued by the affected countries.
3. Previous Advisory Remains Active
- The DGCA reminded airlines that the earlier advisory for Syria and Yemen airspace remains in effect.
The DGCA will review the advisory on March 28 to decide whether it needs to be extended or lifted, depending on the evolving situation in the Middle East.
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