New Delhi, Mar 16: Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Monday informed the Rajya Sabha that escalating tensions in West Asia involving the US, Israel, and Iran have severely disrupted air travel. Indian airlines have cancelled 4,335 flights, while foreign carriers suspended 1,187 services due to airspace closures in the conflict-affected region.
Replying during Question Hour, Naidu emphasised that passenger safety remains the top priority. “There is no reason to operate flights over airspace that is closed. Operations are being carried out only when slots are available and conditions are safe,” he said.
The minister added that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and his ministry are in constant coordination with regulators in the affected countries to facilitate safe operations. Despite the disruption, around 2,19,780 passengers have travelled safely during the ongoing crisis.
Naidu noted that airspace closures continue in certain areas, and the government is working to restore regular flight operations as soon as it is safe.