"Flights, especially to Europe and North America by Indian carriers, have to take longer routes, which has increased travel time and associated cost," Asangba Chuba Ao said.
The Civil Aviation Ministry said it is closely monitoring developments in Middle East and their potential implications for air travel between India and the region.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha: Some of the world's busiest airports are closed due to attacks in the Middle East. The consequences are felt worldwide, for passengers as well as for freight traffic.
India's civil aviation ministry has directed the DGCA to ensure airlines allocate a minimum of 60% of flight seats for selection without additional charge, effective April 20, to ensure fair access for passengers. The regulator emphasized that airlines must comply with this directive.
Indian carriers, including IndiGo and Air India, are planning to operate 58 flights to West Asia on March 4th, as announced by the Civil Aviation Ministry, indicating continued air travel despite regional tensions.
WorldSCMPla-repubblicaTimes of India+3hindustan-timesindian-expressVnExpress2mo ago6 sources
The biggest disruption to global air transport since the Covid pandemic snarled travel for a second day on Sunday, with thousands of flights affected and busy Gulf hubs including Dubai and Doha…
Israel and the United States struck Tehran and western Iran on Saturday, February 28, aiming to curb ballistic missile launches toward Israel as Iran began retaliatory fire.
Major Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, continue to oppose the government's mandate requiring 60% of flight seats to be offered free for selection, with the Federation of Indian Airlines urging the Civil Aviation Ministry to withdraw the decision.
Key transit airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, and Doha in Qatar, were shut or severely restricted as much of the region’s airspace remained closed