The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) reviewed flight operations and passenger handling on Saturday amid tensions in West Asia that disrupted air travel. An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv (AI139) was forced to turn back after Israel’s airspace was closed due to military escalation involving Israel, the US, and retaliatory action by Iran. The airline cited passenger and crew safety as the reason for the return.Several Indian carriers cancelled, diverted, or turned around flights to West Asia as countries like Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE imposed airspace restrictions. MoCA held a meeting with airlines, airport operators, and regulatory bodies Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure coordination and minimise disruption.Airlines were advised to monitor airspace advisories and reroute flights as needed, following global safety protocols. Airports were told to prepare for diversions, unscheduled landings, and additional passenger support like arrangement for parking bays, ground handling, immigration clearance, and crew logistics if flights are forced to halt unexpectedly.IndiGo suspended Middle East flights, while Air India Express and SpiceJet faced disruptions. Global carriers like Qatar Airways and Emirates warned of delays and operational changes.The disruptions impact Indian airlines’ Europe and North America routes, potentially increasing flight duration and costs. The government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to manage stranded Indian passengers abroad. DGCA is ensuring airlines follow safety norms, including crew duty limits, as schedules are adjusted.Meanwhile, IndiGo on Saturday temporarily suspended flights to and from the Middle East in view of the evolving situation in Iran.“In view of evolving airspace restrictions around Iran and the Middle East, all flights to and from the Middle East are cancelled till 0000 hrs,” it said in a post on X. The suspension is till 0000 hours IST.Services have been suspended to and from Dubai, Jeddah, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Bahrain, Sharjah, Kuwait and Ras Al-Khaimah, according to a source.The airline said these measures have been instituted as the safety and security of its customers and crew is the highest priority. “Our teams are continuously monitoring the evolving situation and recalibrating operations to minimise disruption as much as possible,” it added.