New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, India’s aviation regulator has advised airlines to avoid nine regional airspaces and implement robust contingency plans to ensure flight safety.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday issued a notice urging carriers to refrain from operating in the airspaces of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Airlines may continue flights over Oman and Saudi Arabia under certain conditions, the advisory said.

For Saudi and Omani airspace, flights are not permitted below flight level 320 (32,000 feet) in designated segments, while operations within the nine restricted airspaces are discouraged at all altitudes. Carriers that choose to continue operations must conduct thorough safety risk assessments and develop comprehensive contingency plans.

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The DGCA advisory, effective immediately, will remain valid until 28 March unless updated or replaced due to new developments. Airlines are also instructed to keep flight crews informed about the latest Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and any airspace restrictions affecting in-flight operations.

“Recent military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel against targets within Iranian territory have created a high-risk environment for civil aviation,” the DGCA said, adding that Iran’s announced retaliatory measures further heighten the danger to commercial flights in the region.