Pilots Association Calls For Suspension Of Flights Over Conflict Zones Amid West Asia Tensions

Last Updated:March 27, 2026, 21:03 IST

ALPA India urges DGCA to assess West Asia conflict risks, enforce war risk insurance, and probe Air India decisions amid US Israel Iran tensions.

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) called for the government’s intervention over the commercial flight operations in areas affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The Pilot’s body said that this could endanger lives.

In a letter addressed to the regulator, the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) raised concerns about the growing risks to both crew and passengers. It stressed that airlines are not equipped with the intelligence or surveillance systems needed to assess threats in active conflict areas.

The association also urged the DGCA’s intervention and asked the regulator to conduct a centralised risk evaluation before allowing any further operations in such regions. It said the current situation, especially with the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, has already disrupted several flight routes, forcing airlines to reduce services.

ALPA India also called for clear and strict guidelines for flying in conflict-affected zones. It said these rules should be based on reliable intelligence inputs and aligned with global safety standards.

Highlighting safety concerns, the body emphasised the importance of war-risk insurance. It asked the regulator to ensure that airlines immediately disclose and verify valid insurance coverage, including specific clauses for operations in or near conflict zones.

The association further demanded accountability within airlines. It called for a detailed probe into operational decisions, particularly at Air India, to examine whether proper precautions were taken.

“A thorough inquiry should be initiated into the decision-making processes within Air India, particularly the roles of the Vice President – Operations and the Crew Scheduling Department, to determine accountability for exposing crew and passengers to such risks, particularly if found not to have adequate war risk insurance," the letter said.

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