TCS, Infy, Cognizant, Wipro issue travel curbs amid tensions in Gulf Region

Bengaluru: Major Indian IT firms issued detailed travel advisories and activated crisis-response teams as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf Region triggered widespread airspace closures and flight disruptions across key transit hubs.

Infosys advised employees scheduled to travel within the next 48 hours to check airline websites for real-time updates and consider postponing trips. “Employees currently in transit are advised to remain calm and follow airline instructions. All non-essential travel is strongly discouraged until further notice. The safety and well-being of our employees remain our top priority,” the company said in an internal communication sent to employees.

Cognizant activated its Middle East Local Incident Response Team (IRT), according to chief security officer John Wheeler's email. “An initial meeting was held, and the team will continue ongoing assessments and communications as warranted, with a focus on physical security, travel security, and associate guidance,” he said. The region's business resiliency managers were alerted, and coordination meetings were conducted to ensure continuity plans can be activated if necessary.

The company issued targeted travel notices to associates affected by airline disruptions, offering guidance on rebooking, itinerary changes, and regional mobility constraints. “Cyber Operations is operating with heightened vigilance. There was no observed increase in threat activity targeting Cognizant infrastructure. Planned non-essential upgrades to certain security monitoring tools were deferred as a precaution,” Wheeler added.

The Business Information Security Officer (BISO) organisation is supporting client-facing teams and closely monitoring high-value and critical infrastructure clients that could face elevated risk. Associates were also instructed to promptly report any security concerns or suspected incidents through Cognizant’s Corporate Security Incident System (CSIS). TCS suspended all incoming and outgoing travel to and from the Gulf Region, including transit travel, citing airspace closures in multiple countries.

HR and country leadership teams are in active contact with associates and their families. “A call tree was activated, and associates in impacted and bordering regions are being contacted on priority. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and Indian embassies to track developments and will provide timely updates.

The safety and well-being of our associates and their families remain our highest priority,” the company said.

TCS employs over 9,000 people serving 150 customers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. The company also launched the region’s first all-women business centre in Riyadh. Wipro, in an internal advisory, said multiple airspace closures led to significant travel disruption and reiterated that employee safety remains paramount. The company directed employees to follow official local govt guidelines and avoid all non-essential travel until further notice. Employees were advised to remain vigilant and take local shelter where required. Emails sent to TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, and Wipro did not elicit a response till press time.