The Ministry of Civil Aviation activated the 24×7 Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) on March 1, 2026, to manage the escalating aviation crisis in the Middle East. This move follows military escalations that have led to significant airspace restrictions across the region. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a safety advisory valid until March 2, 2026, to ensure the protection of Indian aircraft and passengers.
What are the latest flight cancellations and route changes?
Aviation operations have faced massive disruptions with approximately 444 flights cancelled on March 1, following 410 cancellations the previous day. Air India and IndiGo have suspended all flights to the Middle East until the end of the day, while Akasa Air has extended its suspension until March 2. The DGCA has specifically advised airlines to avoid the airspaces of 11 countries, including Iran, Israel, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. As a result, long-haul flights to the US and Europe are being rerouted through Syria and Central Asia, leading to delays of several hours.
How can passengers get refunds and assistance?
- Refunds and Date Changes: Air India and IndiGo have announced full refunds, fee waivers, and free date changes for passengers whose flights to or from the Middle East were cancelled.
- AirSewa Digital Support: The ministry has integrated the 24×7 control room with the AirSewa portal to resolve passenger complaints and track stranded baggage in real-time.
- Airport Readiness: Major gateways like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi are on high alert to handle unscheduled landings and provide ground support for diverted flights.
- Operational Costs: Airlines are reporting higher costs due to fuel tankering, which involves carrying extra fuel for the longer routes required to bypass restricted airspaces.
