Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has reviewed India’s aviation preparedness in view of escalating military tensions affecting airspace across West Asia, with airlines and airports directed to implement contingency measures to ensure passenger safety and operational continuity.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the minister on Saturday, 28 February, held a high-level video conference with senior officials of the ministry, Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, airline operators and major airport operators.
“The review focused on ensuring passenger safety, operational continuity and real-time coordination in light of multiple airspace restrictions and NOTAMs issued in parts of the region,” the ministry said.
Indian carriers operating international services have been advised to continuously monitor airspace advisories, NOTAMs, and route restrictions issued by the concerned authorities.
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, the ministry said.
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Airports across the country, particularly major international gateways, have been placed on operational alert to manage potential flight diversions, unscheduled landings and passenger facilitation requirements.
The Airports Authority of India 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.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been advised to remain in close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety regulations, crew duty time limitations, and operational advisories.
Further, continuous monitoring mechanisms should be activated to assess the evolving airspace dynamics and mitigate any cascading impact on domestic schedules, according to the ministry.
The ministry said it is in contact with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure coordination in case of any requirements involving Indian carriers or Indian nationals abroad, and advised passengers to remain in touch with airlines for updates regarding delays, rerouting or schedule changes.
The review comes amid widespread airspace closures and flight disruptions following joint military strikes by US-Israel on Iran and retaliatory measures by Tehran.
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