The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran in the Middle East has significantly disrupted India's international aviation sector, with nearly 26,000 international flights affected since the outbreak of hostilities, the Indian government has announced.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that the conflict has forced airlines to reroute several international flights, resulting in longer flight durations, higher operating costs, and substantial revenue losses for Indian carriers.
"The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued multiple advisories to ensure the safety of passengers, crew members, and aircraft in view of the evolving security situation in the Middle East," Mohol told Parliament.
The minister said the government has introduced several measures to support the aviation industry while minimizing inconvenience to travelers. These include establishing a 24-hour passenger assistance control room, directing airlines to facilitate ticket refunds and flight rescheduling, strengthening help desks at airports, and coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to assist affected Indian nationals abroad.
Industry experts warn that if the conflict continues, prolonged airspace restrictions and route diversions could place additional financial pressure on airlines, disrupt travel schedules, and affect tourism and international connectivity across South Asia.
