Pilots’ Association Calls for DGCA to Halt Flights in High-Risk Conflict Areas in West Asia

The Airlines Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) has formally requested the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to suspend airline operations in designated high-risk conflict zones in West Asia. This appeal comes as a response to growing concerns over passenger and crew safety in regions affected by active warfare. In a letter addressed to the DGCA, the association emphasized the dangers posed to civilian airlines operating in areas marked by hostile activity, referencing instances where civilian aircraft have been mistakenly attacked amidst military conflicts.

According to ALPA, conducting flights near or within active war zones not only endangers the lives of passengers and crew members but also presents significant risks to aircraft safety. The letter reiterated a position previously communicated to the DGCA on March 18, leading to an urgent safety advisory issued on March 19. This advisory recommended that airlines undertake their own risk assessments regarding operations in these areas, which has raised substantial concerns among pilots.

ALPA pointed out that commercial airlines lack the specialized intelligence and surveillance necessary for effective risk evaluation in environments where conflict is ongoing. The association stressed that the responsibility for assessing such risks should fall to government authorities and dedicated agencies, rather than being relegated to individual airline operators. This delegation could lead to inconsistent safety practices, inadvertently exposing passengers and crew to significant dangers without the establishment of a unified safety protocol.

The letter stated, “It is concerning that pilots have been actively seeking information regarding their insurance coverage while flying into these perilous regions. To this date, there has been no formal documentation or assurances confirming that appropriate war risk insurance remains in effect under these circumstances.” This gap in coverage, according to ALPA, raises serious issues, as airlines may not possess adequate policies to protect their crews.

ALPA highlighted alarming historical precedents where civilian aircraft have been shot down during similar conflicts, citing incidents such as Iran Air Flight 655, Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114, and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, all of which were lost in the chaos of military engagements. This underscores the potential hazards faced by airlines operating in current conflict zones.

The association urged the DGCA to implement definitive regulations governing operations in conflict areas and to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the decision-making protocols within Air India, which continues to carry out flights in West Asia. ALPA’s letter pressed the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to take immediate action, including halting operations in identified high-risk areas until proper risk assessments can be conducted. Furthermore, they called for the establishment of clear directives that align with international safety standards, as well as a thorough examination of the accountability of decision-makers within Air India.

In addition to urging the reassessment of flight operations, ALPA requested mandatory disclosure and verification of valid insurance for all crew that will be operating in or near conflict zones. This insurance verification should specifically account for war-risk clauses and should be properly addressed in subsequent safety advisories post the expiration of the previous advisory.

The conflicts in West Asia have intensified since U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran began on February 28, targeting high-profile figures. As tensions escalated, the ramifications have adversely affected neighboring regions and disrupted flight operations, leading to widespread cancellations and delays.

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