Indian carriers have cancelled more than 10,000 flights to West Asia since the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict on February 28, significantly affecting schedules and increasing operational costs.
Aviation Ministry Joint Secretary Asangba Chuba Ao said Indian airlines previously operated an average of 300-350 daily flights to West Asia, which has now dropped to just 80-90.
The decline has forced carriers to take longer alternative routes, further straining resources amid soaring global aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices.
“The aviation ministry is actively working with all stakeholders, exploring all means to support the industry, especially airlines, and to bring down costs, which will eventually benefit consumers. All measures are being explored to ensure the sector remains buoyant,” Chuba Ao said.
In response to longer flight routes, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently granted a temporary relaxation in flight duty time limitations (FDTL) for pilots operating long-haul flights to and from the west.
The relaxation, valid until April 30, allows pilots to fly longer despite fatigue. “It is an evolving situation. The dispensation will be relooked at depending on developments, and necessary action will be taken if required,” he added.
Meanwhile, fuel surcharges have been revised in response to rising ATF prices. Following IndiGo, Air India announced an increase in both domestic and international surcharges.
Domestic flights will see surcharges ranging from Rs 299 to Rs 899 depending on distance, up from a flat Rs 399. For international routes, SAARC flights will now incur $24, while other international flights will see surcharges between $50 for West Asia and $280 for North America and Australia.
