India's April air traffic drops amid Middle East conflict

India air traffic decline Middle East conflict domestic passenger drop international flight reduction UAE airspace reopening

India’s civil aviation ministry reported a fall in air traffic for April compared with March. Domestic passenger numbers slipped to 1.408 million, a decline of about 4 % year‑on‑year and month‑on‑month. International passengers fell more sharply to 283,000, roughly 20 % lower than in March.

The downturn is attributed to the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has cut the number of international flights to the region. The United Arab Emirates announced the full restoration of normal flight operations and the removal of temporary restrictions, prompting Indian and UAE airlines to increase services to Indian cities. Airspace in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran (partial, cargo‑charter only) and Israel has also been reopened to varying extents, allowing additional flights.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran, and the Indian embassy in Tehran has assisted 2,504 nationals in leaving the country safely.

Sources

मध्य पूर्व संकट के कारण अप्रैल में भारत के हवाई यातायात में आई गिरावट, घटी यात्रियों की संख्या – indias news [indias.news]

3 months ago

मध्य पूर्व संकट के कारण अप्रैल में भारत के हवाई यातायात में आई गिरावट, घटी यात्रियों की संख्या | New Delhi: Flights Delayed and Cancelled at IGI Airport Amid Airspace Restrictions [www.bhaskarhindi.com]

3 months ago