Lok Sabha Question No. 6372 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Impact of West Asian Conflict
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 6372

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  2nd April 2026 )

## IMPACT OF WEST ASIAN CONFLICT

## 6372.    SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

(a) whether cargo operations, particularly pharmaceutical and perishable exports, have been disrupted due to longer flight routes and airspace congestion and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether contingency evacuation plans are in place for Indian nationals residing in Gulf nations in case of further escalation of hostilities and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether aviation insurance premiums for Indian airlines have increased due to war-risk coverage in West Asian sectors and if so, the assessment of the financial impact thereof;

(d) whether any coordination meetings have been held with major Indian carriers including Air  India  and  IndiGo  to  review  preparedness  and  passenger  safety  measures  and  if  so,  the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Government is formulating a long-term aviation risk management strategy to mitigate disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts affecting critical international air routes and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) Cargo operations have experienced operational disruption attributable to external airspace restrictions,  extended  routings  and  airspace  congestion.  All  types  of  cargo  was  impacted including pharmaceutical and perishable goods.

(b)  The  Government  accords  the  highest  priority  to  the  safety  and  well-being  of  Indian nationals  abroad  and  closely  monitors  evolving  global  situations.  Regular  advisories  are issued  to  keep  citizens  informed  on  the  situation,  safety  measures  and  available  travel options.  Indian  Missions  in  the  affected  areas  provide  24x7  assistance  through  emergency helplines, while a dedicated Special Control Room in the Ministry of External Affairs ensures real-time  monitoring,  coordination  and  prompt  response  to  queries  from  affected  nationals and  their  families.  The  Government  has  facilitated  the  return  of  over  4.75  lakh  Indian nationals by commercial flights, including non-scheduled operations, from these regions till 25 March 2026.

(c) to (e) War-risk insurance premiums for flights to West Asian destinations have witnessed escalation  in  the  wake  of  the  prevailing  situation,  resulting  in  an  increase  in  the  operating costs.

The situation is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) follows a risk-based regulatory approach, wherein airlines are  required  to  take  operational  decisions  based  on  their  internal  safety  risk  assessments, operational  considerations  and  prevailing  threat  perceptions.  Accordingly,  airlines  conduct detailed safety risk assessments for their operations and routing, including those in conflictprone regions.

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