West Asia Air Corridor Shrinks as Israel-Iran Conflict Expands, Forcing Flight Reroutes
New Delhi: The critical "usable" air corridor in West Asia, a vital route for flights connecting India with Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America, is rapidly shrinking as the war theatre between Israel and Iran expands. This development is forcing major airlines to alter their flight paths, adding significant time and cost to long-haul journeys.
Air India Implements Route Changes, Adds Flight Time
From Friday, Air India has slightly modified its route to fly more towards the southern side of Saudi Arabia after entering the country from Oman. This adjustment comes as Riyadh now faces targeting in the conflict. The new path has added an additional 20 to 30 minutes to its already lengthy flights to Western destinations.
An airline executive stated, "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." Air India has conducted route studies to explore available options should the situation in the Gulf region deteriorate further.
DGCA Issues Urgent Safety Advisory Amid Escalating Risks
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent "safety advisory" on Thursday in response to the "escalation in security risks" in the region. Given the extremely volatile and dynamic situation, operators have been instructed to conduct real-time assessments before operating flights in the affected airspace.
The latest directive differs from the earlier March 11 advisory by now including "weapons interceptions" in the airspace hazard description. Airlines are now required to operate above 32,000 feet in certain airspaces over Saudi Arabia and Oman that are currently used for overflying.
Additionally, airlines must implement "robust monitoring and risk assessment processes" and advise crew of airborne flights with the latest notice to airmen (NOTAM) and airspace restrictions.
Conflict Expansion and Rising Operational Challenges
Airline executives report that the conflict is rapidly expanding into new areas, compounding operational difficulties. As operating costs rise exponentially, airlines may be forced to cut flights, with fares increasing further, potentially limiting travel to essential journeys only.
Indian airlines are particularly concerned, awaiting month-end developments and fearing a steep rise in jet fuel prices. The challenge has spiked as they are unable to utilize Pakistan's airspace due to recent hostilities, further restricting available routes.
The combination of a shrinking usable corridor, heightened safety protocols, and rising costs poses a significant threat to air connectivity between India and key Western markets, with potential long-term implications for travel and trade.
