India's aviation regulator has asked airlines to avoid flying through 11 high-risk airspaces in the Middle East, citing a "high-risk environment for civil aviation" amid escalating tensions following recent strikes by the US, Israel, and Iran, as well as the possibility of further retaliation in the region.
The specified high-risk zone encompasses airspace over Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait at all flight levels.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advice asking all Indian carriers to avoid certain airspaces at all altitudes and make contingency preparations for flights to affected destinations. The order will remain in effect until March 28, unless reviewed sooner.

"Operations to airports in the affected region, where other international carriers are currently operating, must involve robust contingency planning to cover all eventualities, as part of the safety risk assessments by the operators," according to the DGCA.
In a specific operational direction, airlines have been told not to fly below FL320 in Saudi Arabia and Oman, a term used in aviation to designate an altitude of 32,000 feet above sea level pressure. This effectively requires aeroplanes to maintain higher cruising altitudes, keeping them further away from potential ground-based threats or conflict-related concerns.

The regulator cautioned that the evolving conflict has increased dangers not only over Iran, but also in neighbouring countries, with the possibility of military activity, miscalculations, and operational hazards affecting civilian flights.
Where operations continue in approved areas, airlines have been instructed to use increased monitoring systems and use extreme caution. The DGCA has also emphasised the importance of comprehensive contingency planning, especially for flights to regional airports."Operators are advised to provide their flight crew with information regarding the latest NOTAMs, airspace restrictions affecting flight that are already airborne," according to it.NOTAMs give real-time updates on airspace and airports for pilots and crew.Recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets within Iranian territory have created a high-risk situation for civil aircraft. Iran has announced retaliatory steps in reaction to these strikes," according to the DGCA, who also stated that the current scenario poses severe risks to civil aviation.Earlier cautions directing airlines to avoid Syrian and Yemeni airspace remain in effect.