The Indian Airlines Pilots Association (ALPA) on Monday urged the Center and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to suspend flights by Indian airlines to Gulf destinations, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, until a comprehensive security assessment is conducted, citing the deteriorating security situation in West Asia.
The pilots body said that renewed hostilities in the region had increased the risks to civil aviation and called for an immediate review of flight operations to areas affected by the conflict.
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Demands of the Pilots Association to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation
Notably, ALPA India had made a similar appeal to the DGCA in March this year, urging the regulatory body to adopt a precautionary approach in light of the evolving military situation and growing risks to civil aviation in West Asia.
After a pause, the conflict between the United States and Iran has been renewed in recent days.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, ALPA India said the security situation in the region has deteriorated further.
According to the pilots’ association, civilian aircraft operating in or over conflict-affected areas remain vulnerable not only to direct military activity but also to misidentification, missile engagements, electronic warfare, GPS interference, rapidly changing airspace restrictions, and limitations in timely intelligence available to flight crews.
ALPA India urged the Ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to “immediately suspend all commercial flight operations by Indian operators to the affected Gulf destinations, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, until a comprehensive and independent threat assessment is conducted by relevant national security agencies, intelligence authorities and aviation safety experts.”
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Calls for appropriate risk mitigation measures and risk assessment
The association also called for appropriate risk mitigation measures, robust operational risk assessments by airlines, and ensuring that adequate insurance coverage and contingency arrangements remain in place under the prevailing threat environment.
It also said that pilots should be fully informed of the prevailing risks and should not be subject to commercial pressure to operate in potentially unsafe airspace.
ALPA India added that it is ready to assist the ministry and the DGCA in any technical consultations related to risk assessment of conflict zones and aviation safety.
