Ministry of Civil Aviation activates helplines and control room as Gulf flight cancellations rise

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has activated a 24x7 Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) and dedicated helplines as escalating tensions in West Asia disrupt flight operations on key Gulf routes. The decision follows a sharp rise in cancellations, particularly at airports in Kerala, after airspace restrictions and heightened military activity across parts of Iran and the Persian Gulf. Earlier, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent safety advisory to Indian carriers, warning of heightened risks to civil aviation in West Asia airspace. The advisory came after a review of the Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB No. 2026-03) issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

According to the DGCA, recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel and retaliatory measures announced by Iran have created a "high-risk operating environment" for civilian aircraft. The regulator flagged concerns, including the presence of cruise and ballistic missile systems, advanced air defence platforms, and the risk of misidentifying civilian aircraft during military interception procedures.

411 grievances resolved

In a statement, the ministry said the control room is monitoring complaints received through social media platforms, the AirSewa portal and dedicated helpline numbers. As many as 411 passenger grievances have been resolved so far, officials said, as per multiple media reports, adding that complaints are being prioritised for immediate redressal. The PACR is coordinating with airlines and airport operators to minimise inconvenience to travellers. Helpline numbers issued by Indian embassies in affected countries have also been shared with passengers requiring diplomatic assistance. Travellers can seek support via the Air Sewa portal, the ministry's official social media handles, or by calling 011-24604283 and 011-24632987.

Kerala-Gulf routes bear the brunt

The operational impact has been most visible in Kerala, a critical hub for Gulf-bound traffic. According to PTI, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) said around 45 departing flights from Kochi were cancelled on Monday, with a similar number of inbound services also affected. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited reported 20 cancellations on Gulf routes the same day. Over the past three days, 65 services to and from the airport have been called off, PTI reported. Kannur International Airport listed 10 Gulf-bound cancellations, while nearly 20 services were cancelled at Calicut airport. Limited flights operated by Oman Air, Saudia, Etihad Airways, Flynas and Air Arabia continued on select routes. Airport authorities said airlines have established help desks to assist affected passengers. Officials indicated that disruptions may continue if tensions in West Asia persist.

Geopolitical risk returns to aviation

The latest episode highlights how quickly geopolitical flashpoints can ripple through global aviation networks. The Gulf corridor remains one of the busiest international routes for Indian carriers, linking millions of expatriate workers and business travellers. For airlines, prolonged airspace restrictions mean higher fuel burn, longer routes and mounting operational uncertainty. For passengers, it translates into cancellations, delays and rebookings at short notice. Regulators have opted for caution. The control room will remain operational around the clock as authorities monitor developments. With regional tensions still evolving, aviation stakeholders are bracing for further schedule adjustments in the days ahead.