Saurabh.SinhaNew Delhi: The “usable” corridor in West Asia – a key route for flights between India and Europe, UK and North America – is shrinking with the Israel-Iran war theatre expanding.From Friday, Air India changed its route slightly to fly more to the southern side of Saudi Arabia after entering the country from Oman as Riyadh is also being targeted now. This has added another 20-30 minutes to its long flights.”While as of now we are operating our schedule to Europe, the UK and North America taking the longer route, if the same gets even longer we may have to cut some of our flights as the operating costs will get even higher,” an airline executive said. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran as Iranians mark Nowruz; UAE, Kuwait defences respond to missile barrage’World’s first hit’: Iran claims strike on US F-35 lightning 2 – why it’s a big dealIran hits Ras Laffan facility: Qatar’s 17% LNG capacity gone, $20bn loss; which countries will be impacted?AI has done route studies to explore options available, if things get even worse in the Gulf.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday issued an urgent “safety advisory” in wake of the “escalation in security risks” in the region. Since the situation is extremely volatile and dynamic, operators have been asked to make an assessment in real time before operating flights in the region.The difference between DGCA’s earlier March 11 and Thursday’s directive is that the airspace hazard description now includes “weapons interceptions”. Now, airlines have been asked to operate above 32,000 feet in certain airspaces in Saudi and Oman that are currently being used for overflying.Third, airlines have to now implement “robust monitoring and risk assessment processes”. Finally, they have to advise crew of airborne flights with latest notice to airmen (NOTAM) and airspace restrictions.The conflict is rapidly expanding into new areas, said airline executives. As operating costs will rise exponentially, airlines may cut flights as fares will rise further allowing essential travel only. Indian airlines are waiting for the month-end and fear a steep rise in jet fuel prices. The challenge for Indian airlines has spiked as they are unable to use Pakistan’s airspace due to the outbreak of recent hostilities.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMoD Reveals India Exploring Joining GCAP Or FCAS Sixth Generation Fighter ProgrammePM Modi Speaks To Bahrain King, Condemns Attacks On Energy Infra, Stresses Secure Shipping RoutesTrump Sending Troops To Strait Of Hormuz?; ‘Iran Being Decimated’: Bibi Denies Dragging U.S Into WarDiplomacy In New Avatar: Why Vikram Doraiwami Picked Chinese Name Wei Jiameng As India’s New EnvoyHow Iran’s Attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Gas Hub Sparks India’s Energy EmergencyIndian National Killed In Riyadh, MEA Confirms Total 6 Dead, 1 Missing Amid Israel-Iran WarRussia Tip Off Led To NIA Arrest Of Matthew VanDyke, Global Insurgency Network Exposed In Northeast’Some Say India Can Stop The War’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big StatementPremium Petrol Prices Hiked By Up To ₹2.35 Per Litre In India Amid West Asia ConflictPakistan’s Fake War Narrative Exposed: India Busts Digital Attack After Iran’s IRIS Dena Strike123PhotostoriesMen’s health: Doctor shares early signs of low testosterone and if over-the-counter supplements helpFrom losing his mother at the age of 2 to delivering 15 flop Bhojpuri films and earning Rs 1.5 lakh per episode of Comedy Circus, When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his struggle8 desi vegetables that are actually foreign12 strangest place names in the world and the stories behind themEid Mubarak 2026: 6 traditional Seviyan preparations that complete the Eid feasting5 most scenic riverside retreats in India perfect for April travel5 advanced features in bikes that enhance performanceWhy no one stays in this forest after sunset: Unraveling the mystery of Nidhi Van6 spiritual cities emerging as India’s real estate hotspots in 20265 ways to use avocado peel in daily meal plans123Hot PicksIran newsGautam SinghaniaStrait of HormuzGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIga SwiatekAir India Boeing 77760% free seat ruleQatar LNG ExportsMojtaba KhameneiJames GraceySpring EquinoxDiesel price hike8th Pay CommissionPremium Petrol Price Hike
Saurabh.SinhaNew Delhi: The “usable” corridor in West Asia – a key route for flights between India and Europe, UK and North America – is shrinking with the Israel-Iran war theatre expanding.From Friday, Air India changed its route slightly to fly more to the southern side of Saudi Arabia after entering the country from Oman as Riyadh is also being targeted now. This has added another 20-30 minutes to its long flights.“While as of now we are operating our schedule to Europe, the UK and North America taking the longer route, if the same gets even longer we may have to cut some of our flights as the operating costs will get even higher,” an airline executive said. AI has done route studies to explore options available, if things get even worse in the Gulf.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday issued an urgent “safety advisory” in wake of the “escalation in security risks” in the region. Since the situation is extremely volatile and dynamic, operators have been asked to make an assessment in real time before operating flights in the region.The difference between DGCA’s earlier March 11 and Thursday’s directive is that the airspace hazard description now includes “weapons interceptions”. Now, airlines have been asked to operate above 32,000 feet in certain airspaces in Saudi and Oman that are currently being used for overflying.Third, airlines have to now implement “robust monitoring and risk assessment processes”. Finally, they have to advise crew of airborne flights with latest notice to airmen (NOTAM) and airspace restrictions.The conflict is rapidly expanding into new areas, said airline executives. As operating costs will rise exponentially, airlines may cut flights as fares will rise further allowing essential travel only. Indian airlines are waiting for the month-end and fear a steep rise in jet fuel prices. The challenge for Indian airlines has spiked as they are unable to use Pakistan’s airspace due to the outbreak of recent hostilities.
