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India Engages Airlines, Regulators to Keep West Asia Air Routes Operational

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated the government is continuously engaging with airlines and international regulators to ensure smooth air travel through the West Asia region. He acknowledged operational challenges due to some airports being non-functional amid the ongoing regional conflict. The minister emphasized that the West Asia route is crucial for travel to Europe and America, and the government's priority is maintaining safe and stable airline operations. These efforts come against the backdrop of escalating tensions following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Key Points: Govt in Talks for Smooth West Asia Air Travel: Aviation Minister

  • Govt in talks with airlines for smooth ops
  • West Asia a prime route to Europe, America
  • Some airports non-functional, challenge remains
  • Ensuring safety and continuity for passengers
2 min read

Govt continously engaged with airlines for smooth travel through West Asia: Civil Aviation Minister

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu says government is in continuous dialogue with airlines and foreign regulators to maintain operations on key West Asia routes.

Govt continously engaged with airlines for smooth travel through West Asia: Civil Aviation Minister
"We have been engaged with the airlines right from day one... to have very smooth operations. - Ram Mohan Naidu"

New Delhi, March 18

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday informed that the government is making continuous efforts and engagements to smooth travel towards the West Asia region.

Speaking to reporters, Naidu asserted that West Asia is a "prime route" to travel to Europe and West Asia, adding government's dialogues with airlines, so that they have smooth operations.

"We have been engaged with the airlines right from day one because one thing we want is for the airlines to have very smooth operations. Now, when you talk about West Asia, it is one of the prime routes for us to travel to Europe and America, and there is also a lot of travel to West Asia. We have been in continuous engagement... Not only with the airlines but also with different regulators in these countries, we have been in continuous engagement," said Naidu.

The Union Minister also admitted the challenge, adding that some airports are not functional, whereas the government is trying its best to accomodate every thing through the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He stated that the government wants to facilitate the passengers, and every interaction with airlines is being taken by keep all things in mind.

"However, what we are observing is that in some places, it is an on-and-off situation. Some airports are not functional, so the challenge remains... We are trying to see how best we can accommodate all of this on behalf of civil aviation. The airlines' continuity and stability must be maintained... Safe operations must be ensured... We have to facilitate the passengers. Keeping all this in mind, our interaction with the airlines is happening continuously," Naidu added.

The current round of conflict in West Asia, which began on February 28 with the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has witnessed fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other.

The conflict escalated following the assassination of 86-year-old Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My brother is studying in Germany and his flights always connect via Doha. This constant tension is so worrying for families. Glad the government is talking to airlines, but please also have a clear contingency plan communicated to the public. 🙏
R
Rohit P
The minister admits some airports are not functional - that's the real issue. Engagement is fine, but what about exploring alternative routes? Can we strengthen air corridors via Central Asia or Eastern Europe to reduce dependency on the West Asia hub?
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Sarah B
As an NRI travelling frequently between US and Hyderabad, the disruption and uncertainty are a major headache. Ticket prices have shot up. Hope these engagements lead to stabilized operations and fair pricing. The 'on-and-off' situation is not sustainable.
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Vikram M
It's a complex geopolitical situation beyond our control. The government's continuous engagement is the right approach. We must trust our regulators and airlines to prioritize passenger safety above all. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the effort, this feels reactive. Our aviation policy needs long-term resilience planning for such global flashpoints. So many Indian livelihoods depend on smooth international travel - from tourism to IT. We need a more strategic vision, not just crisis management.

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