In response to recent international airspace restrictions, India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday directed all airline operators to immediately implement enhanced passenger handling measures to ensure comfort, safety, and regulatory compliance.
The DGCA issued the advisory following Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian flights amid escalating diplomatic tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
The regulator emphasised that passengers must be proactively informed of any route changes, extended flight durations, and possible technical stopovers. Airlines have been instructed to communicate these updates clearly during check-in, boarding, and through digital notifications.
“Airlines are required to revise catering based on the actual block time, ensuring adequate food, hydration, and special meal availability throughout the flight, including any technical stopovers,” said the advisory.
Additionally, carriers are required to ensure that adequate onboard medical supplies are available and to verify the availability of emergency services at airports designated for technical stops.
Call centres and customer service teams have also been directed to remain fully equipped to manage delays, missed connections, and to offer assistance or compensation as mandated under the applicable Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
The DGCA stressed the importance of seamless coordination across flight operations, customer service, ground handling, inflight services, and medical partners to maintain high service standards during this period.
“All airlines have been asked to treat this directive as mandatory. Failure to comply may attract regulatory action under the applicable Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). This directive is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice,” said the regulator.
Following Pakistan’s airspace closure, Indian airlines announced route diversions for international flights. Flights departing from major airports in North India — including Delhi, Lucknow, and Amritsar — will now reroute via Gujarat or Maharashtra before proceeding to destinations in Europe, North America, or West Asia.
As a result, flight times for several US- and Europe-bound services operated by Indian carriers are expected to increase by approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
–Input (IANS)
