Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 16: Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Monday informed the Lok Sabha that ongoing tensions in West Asia have led to widespread flight cancellations by both Indian and foreign carriers.

Speaking during the sixth day of the Parliamentary Budget Session, Naidu said that Indian airlines have cancelled over 4,335 flights, while foreign carriers cancelled around 1,187 flights due to the conflict in the region. He emphasised that passenger safety remains the top priority, noting that flights cannot operate when airspace in affected areas is closed.

“Indian carriers have cancelled 4,335 flights and foreign carriers cancelled up to 1,187 flights. Safety comes first. If the airspace is closed, flights cannot operate,” he stated.

Despite the disruption, a significant number of passengers continued to travel. According to the minister, nearly 2,19,780 passengers flew during this period of heightened tensions.

Naidu also highlighted that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are in continuous contact with authorities in the affected regions to monitor the evolving situation. Flights will resume only once airspace restrictions are lifted, as several areas remain under operational constraints.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol noted last week that India currently employs 11,394 pilots in major domestic airlines, including 1,871 women pilots, underscoring the scale and diversity of the country’s aviation workforce.