The escalating conflict in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through the global aviation industry, leading to the cancellation of 4,335 flights worldwide. Responding to the crisis, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has emphasized that “passenger safety remains the top-most priority.”

He has instructed the DGCA and Indian carriers to strictly avoid the airspace over conflict zones like Iran and Israel, even if it results in longer flight durations and higher fuel costs. Minister Naidu has also urged airlines to be compassionate regarding refunds and re-booking for passengers affected by these cancellations. The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that Indian citizens traveling abroad face minimal distress during this international emergency.