India reviews aviation preparedness amid West Asia crisis; airports on alert for diversions
New Delhi, February 28. In view of the escalating situation in West Asia and its potential fallout on global flight operations, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has carried out a comprehensive review of India’s aviation preparedness, placing airports and airlines on heightened alert.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on February 28, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu convened a high-level virtual meeting with senior officials from the Ministry, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators and major airport authorities to assess readiness and response mechanisms. The discussions centred on safeguarding passenger safety, maintaining operational continuity and ensuring real-time coordination amid multiple airspace restrictions and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued in parts of West Asia.
Indian carriers operating international routes have been directed to closely track evolving airspace advisories and route limitations. Airlines have been instructed to reroute or divert flights wherever necessary, strictly adhering to international safety protocols and established contingency plans.
Airports across the country – especially major international hubs – have been placed on operational alert to handle potential flight diversions, unscheduled landings and additional passenger facilitation requirements. The AAI and private airport operators have been asked to strengthen coordination with airlines to manage ground handling, aircraft parking, passenger amenities, crew logistics and immigration support in case of disruptions.
The DGCA has also been advised to maintain close coordination with carriers to ensure compliance with safety regulations, including crew duty time norms, and to activate continuous monitoring systems to assess changing airspace dynamics and prevent spillover effects on domestic flight schedules.
The Ministry is simultaneously in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure seamless information-sharing and coordinated action if any contingency involving Indian carriers or nationals abroad arises.
Passengers have been urged to stay in contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates on schedules, delays or rerouting. Airlines, in turn, have been asked to proactively communicate changes to minimise inconvenience.
Emphasising that passenger and crew safety remains paramount, the Ministry said it is closely monitoring developments and will issue further updates as required.
