The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Saturday reviewed flight operations and passenger handling as tensions in West Asia disrupted air travel. While an Air India flight returned mid-air, multiple airlines either suspended or diverted flights across the region.The review came as Air India’s Delhi-Tel Aviv flight AI139 was forced to turn back after airspace over Israel was closed following military escalation involving Israel and the US, and retaliatory action by Iran. The airline said the decision to return was taken in the interest of passenger and crew safety, with the aircraft later heading back to India.The ministry also convened a meeting with airlines, airport operators, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure coordination and minimise disruption. Airlines were asked to closely monitor airspace advisories and reroute or divert flights as required, in line with global safety protocols.Airports, particularly major international ones, have been told to be prepared for flight diversions, unscheduled landings and additional passenger support. This includes arrangements for parking bays, ground handling, immigration clearance, and crew logistics if flights are forced to halt unexpectedly.At the same time, several flights operated by Indian carriers to destinations in West Asia were cancelled, diverted, or turned around mid-route as countries across the region imposed airspace restrictions. The aviation watchdog, the DGCA, also on Saturday issued an urgent advisory directing all stakeholders to exercise heightened caution. The communication follows a review of Conflict Zone Information Bulletin released on February 28 by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).The high-risk zone has been defined to include all altitudes and flight levels across Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar.In line with international safety protocols and the EASA bulletin, the DGCA has advised Indian operators to avoid operating in the affected airspace at any altitude, closely monitor Aeronautical Information Publications and NOTAMs issued by concerned authorities, and continue adhering to earlier advisories on Syria and Yemen, which remain in force.”The directive has come into effect immediately and will remain valid until March 2, 2026, unless revised,” said an official.Airlines have already scaled back operations. IndiGo temporarily suspended flights to and from the Middle East, while Air India Express and SpiceJet indicated disruptions across their networks. Air India also paused several of its services to the region. Global carriers such as Qatar Airways and Emirates also issued advisories warning of delays and operational changes.The impact is wider than immediate cancellations. West Asia is a crucial air corridor for Indian airlines flying to Europe and North America. With large portions of this airspace now restricted, airlines may have to take longer routes, increasing flight duration and operational costs, and in some cases requiring refuelling stops.The government is also coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to manage any situation involving Indian passengers abroad.