NewKerala.com

444 Flights Cancelled as Middle East Airspace Closures Disrupt Travel

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stated that 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on March 1 due to airspace closures across Iran and several Middle Eastern countries. This follows the cancellation of 410 domestic flights on February 28, with major airports placed on high operational alert. The aviation regulator is closely monitoring passenger assistance and coordinating with airlines to manage diversions and crowd control. The disruptions stem from airspace restrictions imposed following military operations in the region, with passenger safety cited as the paramount concern.

Key Points: 444 Flights Cancelled Over Middle East Airspace Closures

  • 444 flights cancelled March 1
  • Airspace restrictions over Iran & Middle East
  • DGCA on operational alert
  • Passenger grievances being addressed
2 min read

444 flights expected to be cancelled on March 1 over airspace closures: DGCA

Major travel disruption as 444 flights are cancelled due to airspace restrictions over Iran and the Middle East. DGCA issues operational alert.

"major airports remain on operational alert to manage potential diversions and ensure seamless passenger facilitation - DGCA"

New Delhi, March 1

After a massive disruption due to airspace closures across Iran and several Middle Eastern countries, 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on March 1, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on February 28.

In a post on X, DGCA said that "major airports remain on operational alert to manage potential diversions and ensure seamless passenger facilitation".

"Passenger assistance, airline coordination, and terminal crowd management are being closely monitored, with senior officials deployed on the ground," said the aviation regulator.

The DGCA informed that the Ministry's Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) continues to closely monitor passenger concerns and facilitate prompt redressal.

On February 28, AirSewa recorded 216 grievances, and 105 grievances were resolved during the same period ensuring necessary support to affected passengers.

DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations.

All stakeholders are working in coordination to ensure orderly handling of affected passengers and timely assistance to all concerned travellers.

Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation directed all Indian airlines operating international services to continuously monitor airspace advisories, Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), and route restrictions issued by the concerned authorities to ensure passenger safety in the wake of the massive military operation launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Saturday.

"Following the airspace restrictions imposed in the Middle East, airlines have been directed to ensure timely rerouting or diversion of flights, wherever required, strictly in accordance with global safety protocols and established contingency planning procedures," according to the Civil Aviation Ministry statement.

"The safety of passengers and crew remains paramount. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation to ensure safe, orderly, and efficient air operations. The situation is under constant watch. Further updates will follow as necessary," the statement said.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and private airport operators have been advised to maintain enhanced coordination with airlines for ground handling, parking bays, passenger amenities, crew logistics and immigration support, as necessary.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Safety first, always. 🙏 It's a tense situation in that region, and I'd rather have my flight cancelled than be in any danger. Good to see DGCA and AAI are coordinating. Hope the affected passengers are being looked after properly with food and accommodation.
A
Aman W
This shows how global conflicts hit the common man. Our aviation sector seems prepared, but 444 cancellations is a huge number. Will this affect airfares in the coming weeks? The economic ripple effect is worrying.
S
Sarah B
I'm scheduled to fly to London via the Middle East next week. Constantly checking advisories now. Appreciate the proactive communication from DGCA on X. Hope things stabilize soon.
V
Vikram M
The real test is ground handling. Major airports like Delhi and Mumbai get chaotic even with minor delays. Hope the "senior officials deployed on the ground" are actually visible and helping people, not just in meetings. Crowd management is key.
K
Kiran H
Good step by the Civil Aviation Ministry. Monitoring NOTAMs and rerouting flights is crucial. We have a large diaspora in the Gulf. Their safe travel is a priority. Jai Hind.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50