Urgent Plea: Pilots Demand War Risk Insurance as Flights in High-Risk Conflict Zones of West Asia Face Suspension
The Airlines Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) has formally written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), calling for a halt on operations in regions of West Asia identified as high-risk conflict zones. This strong appeal comes amid rising tensions involving the USA, Israel, and Iran, which have previously led to tragic incidents where civilian airlines were shot down in conflict scenarios.
In its letter, ALPA emphasizes the dangers posed by current commercial flights into Gulf areas affected by warfare. The association described ongoing operations as a “serious and unacceptable risk” to the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft. They firmly stated, “Operating flights into or near an active war zone amounts to willful endangerment of human life.” Past incidents, including the downing of Iran Air Flight 655 by the U.S. and Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 by Israel, underscore these concerns, with ALPA referencing the tragic loss of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 as another example.
ALPA raised alarm over the lack of intelligence and situational awareness that commercial airlines hold when assessing threats in active combat environments. The letter points out that such assessments should be the responsibility of sovereign authorities and specialized agencies, rather than individual airlines, which may lead to inconsistent safety standards and expose crew and passengers to considerable risks.
The pilots’ group also highlighted serious concerns regarding the status of insurance for pilots operating in conflict zones. They noted that many pilots have sought clarification on the validity of their coverage, but have received no formal guarantees confirming whether they possess adequate war risk insurance. “To date, no documentary evidence or formal assurance has been provided,” the letter stated, hinting that airlines may not have the appropriate insurance riders in place.
Furthermore, ALPA urged the DGCA to issue firm directives regarding operations in conflict areas and initiate a thorough review of Air India’s decision-making processes, particularly the roles of its operational leadership and crew scheduling. They recommended a suspension of flights into these high-risk zones until a comprehensive risk assessment is undertaken by relevant authorities.
The pilots’ association also called for the establishment of binding directives aligned with international standards to ensure the safety of crew and passengers. They insisted on the immediate need for clear disclosures regarding insurance coverage, particularly concerning war-risk clauses for crew members operating in or near conflict areas.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia escalated significantly following U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This conflict has since expanded, impacting regional airspace and leading to multiple flight cancellations and delays.
In conclusion, the ALPA’s urgent plea to the DGCA underscores the pressing need for enhanced safety measures, comprehensive assessments, and proper operational protocols in an increasingly volatile environment, highlighting the critical responsibility of aviation authorities in safeguarding lives.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/suspend-flights-in-high-risk-conflict-zones-in-west-asia-pilots-body-writes-to-dgca-seeks-war-risk-insurance-cover-11774690151877.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-28 15:03:00
