Indian airlines to avoid 'affected part of' Iranian airspace, will re-route flights: DGCA

Amid rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, India's aviation regulator DGCA Saturday said Indian airlines have decided to avoid the "affected part of the Iranian airspace" and reroute their flight "suitably".

On Friday, the American aviation regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating "in the overwater area of the Tehran Flight Information Region until further notice, due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions".

"All Indian operators in consultation with DGCA have decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian Airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers. They will re-route flights suitably," the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) tweeted on Saturday.

After the DGCA's decision, Air India's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said,"No substantial effect on Air India flights. Details being worked out for rerouting on incoming flights."
In a statement, US-based United Airlines said,"Given current events in the Middle East and the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, we have decided to suspend our service between India (Mumbai and Delhi) and Newark until September 1."