Airlines Pilots Association of India (ALPA) has made a major appeal to DGCA in view of the ongoing tension in West Asia. The organization has demanded from the Government of India and the Directorate of Civil Aviation that the operation of aircraft in high-risk war zones should be stopped immediately. Pilots say that flying in these areas is a big threat to the safety of passengers and crew. Along with this, he has also talked about making war-risk insurance coverage mandatory for pilots.
Which countries’ airspace is in greatest danger?
DGCA had issued a safety advisory in March 2026 advising Indian airlines to exercise caution or avoid flying over nine countries in West Asia. This decision was taken in view of the increasing military tension and retaliatory attacks in the region. The list of these countries is as follows:
Bahrain and Iran Iraq and Israel Jordan and Kuwait Lebanon and Qatar United Arab Emirates (UAE)
There is permission to fly over Saudi Arabia and Oman, but even there the planes have been instructed to stay above 32,000 feet. Pilots argue that the government itself should ban these routes and not leave the decision to the airline companies.
Main demands of pilots on insurance and safety
ALPA has reiterated its concerns again on 27 and 28 March 2026. He says that airline companies do not have the necessary intelligence and surveillance capabilities to anticipate the dangers of war. The pilots have included the following points in their demands:
Commercial flights in dangerous war zones should be suspended with immediate effect. Information on valid war-risk insurance for pilots and crew should be made public. Written verification of insurance coverage must be provided to pilots. Security risk assessment should be done centrally at the government level.
The Pilot Association has warned that if these safety concerns are not addressed, they may take legal action. Citing old accidents, he said that flying in war zones is like deliberately endangering human life.
