The Ministry of Civil Aviation has said it is closely monitoring the developments in the West Asia region and their possible implication for air travel between India and the region. In a statement, the Ministry said that airlines are making appropriate operational arrangements in response to the evolving situation, with passenger safety and continuity of services remaining the primary priorities. It noted that, according to operational data for Monday, 45 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers arrived in India from West Asia, carrying over 7,400 passengers.
The Ministry added that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is coordinating with relevant authorities to facilitate additional arrival and departure slots and to permit the use of Muscat International Airport as an en-route alternate airport. This arrangement will apply to flights to and from destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Jeddah, and Medina. The Ministry further said that the operational plans of airlines indicate that Air India and Air India Express will operate flights to Riyadh starting tomorrow, while IndiGo will commence Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai services.
It added that SpiceJet has been facilitated to obtain alternate airport approvals to ensure continued operational safety and flexibility in the region. While another carrier, Akasa Air, has been advised to align its planned commencement of Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai services, scheduled to begin tomorrow. The Ministry has advised passengers to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates.
