Middle East tensions disrupt aviation, 444 flights set to be cancelled

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA has said that as many as 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on March 1 due to ongoing airspace closures over Iran and parts of the Middle EastThe disruption follows a major escalation in the region which has led to restrictions on key international flight routes A day earlier on February 28 around 410 flights operated by domestic carriers were cancelled due to similar constraintsAirports on high alert passenger assistance ramped upIn response to the situation major airports across India have been placed on operational alert to manage potential diversions and ensure smooth passenger handlingThe DGCA said that passenger assistance airline coordination and crowd management at terminals are being closely monitored with senior officials deployed on the groundThe Ministry of Civil Aviationrsquos Passenger Assistance Control Room PACR is actively tracking passenger grievances and facilitating quick resolution On February 28 AirSewa recorded 216 complaints of which 105 were resolved the same dayAirlines asked to monitor advisories ensure safetyThe Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed all Indian airlines operating international services to continuously monitor airspace advisories Notices to Airmen NOTAMs and route restrictions issued by relevant authoritiesAirlines have been instructed to reroute or divert flights as necessary in line with global safety protocols and contingency planning measuresldquoThe safety of passengers and crew remains paramountrdquo the ministry said adding that the situation is under constant reviewCoordination with airports to manage impactThe Airports Authority of India AAI and private airport operators have been advised to maintain close coordination with airlines to manage ground operations effectively This includes ensuring availability of parking bays passenger amenities crew logistics and immigration supportAuthorities said all stakeholders are working together to ensure orderly handling of affected passengers and minimise inconvenience amid the evolving situationThe aviation regulator added that further updates will be issued as the situation developsIndia assures visa relief to stranded foreign travellersMeanwhile in view of flight cancellations following the escalating security situation in the Middle East India on Sunday asked foreign nationals in the country to approach relevant authorities for visa extensionsThe Ministry of External Affairs MEA issued an advisory for foreign nationals impacted by the travel disruptionsThe MEA urged foreign nationals to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office FRRO if they require assistance with visa extensions or need to regularise their stayAll foreign nationals in India who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularise their stay are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office it saidThe MEA said the FRROs concerned will extend assistance It is not immediately clear how many foreign tourists are stranded in India due to the flight cancellations