The ongoing conflict in West Asia has begun affecting travel and economic concerns for India, prompting both aviation authorities and the government to closely monitor the situation. Indian airlines are planning to operate around 50 flights from the region on March 9 while the government keeps a close watch on airspace conditions, passenger movement, and ticket prices. At the same time, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament that protecting the interests of Indian consumers remains the government’s “overriding priority” amid the escalating crisis.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian airlines are scheduled to run about 50 flights from West Asia on March 9. The ministry said authorities are carefully monitoring the situation in the region’s airspace as tensions continue due to the conflict between Iran and Israel. Airlines are adjusting their operations depending on the conditions in the region to ensure passenger safety and maintain regular flight services.

Passenger traffic data from recent days shows that travel between India and the region has continued despite the uncertainty. On March 7, a total of 51 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers arrived in India from West Asia, carrying 8,175 passengers. For March 8, airlines including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air had planned 49 inbound flights from airports in the region. These operations were subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions in the airspace.

The flights are scheduled from several major West Asian airports, including those in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat and Jeddah. Authorities said airlines are also assessing the situation at other airports in the region and may operate additional flights if required.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia affecting air travel between India and the West Asia region.” The ministry further added, “Airlines are undertaking necessary operational adjustments in view of the prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and orderly conduct of flight operations.”

The government also said that it is maintaining constant coordination with airlines and other stakeholders to manage the situation. Officials are tracking passenger movement and travel demand to ensure that flights operate smoothly while keeping safety considerations in mind.

Another important concern for the government during the crisis is the price of air tickets. Authorities have said that airfares are being closely monitored to prevent any sudden or unreasonable increase in ticket prices during the ongoing tensions. The ministry said, “Airfares are also being closely monitored to ensure that ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge during this period.”

Passengers travelling between India and West Asia have been advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for updates regarding flight schedules and possible changes. The government said it will continue to track the situation and issue further updates if necessary.

Meanwhile, the broader implications of the conflict were discussed in Parliament during the Budget Session. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed the Rajya Sabha about the developments in West Asia and their possible impact on India. He said the government’s main concern remains the protection of Indian consumers and the national economy.

“The interest of the Indian consumer would remain the government’s ‘overriding priority’ amid the escalating conflict in West Asia,” Jaishankar told the House. He warned that the ongoing crisis could lead to “serious supply chain disruption,” especially affecting energy supplies, shipping routes and global trade flows.

Jaishankar said the conflict in the region has intensified in recent days, creating concerns about global trade and energy markets. He informed Parliament that the government is closely monitoring the situation and evaluating its possible impact on India’s economy and supply chains.

“Our government had issued a statement on February 28 expressing deep concern and urging all sides to exercise restraint,” Jaishankar told the House. “We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions,” he added.

The minister stressed that stability in West Asia is extremely important for global energy markets and for India’s economic interests. “West Asia must remain stable and peaceful,” he said while explaining the government’s position on the crisis.

Jaishankar also informed the House that India remains engaged with international partners and is closely tracking developments in the region. He highlighted that the government is also focused on the safety and well-being of Indians living and working in West Asia.

According to the minister, around 67,000 Indian nationals have already returned from the region as tensions have increased in recent days. The government is continuing to monitor the safety of Indian citizens in the affected areas.

The minister also referred to India’s decision to allow the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi Port after a request from Tehran. Permission for the ship to enter an Indian port was granted on March 1, and it docked on March 4. The vessel was carrying 183 crew members, most of them young cadets, and had reported a technical issue while sailing in the region.

Speaking earlier at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar said the decision to allow the ship to dock was taken out of “humanity” rather than geopolitical considerations.

As the situation in West Asia continues to evolve, Indian authorities say they will keep monitoring developments closely. The government is working with airlines and international partners to ensure passenger safety, maintain travel connectivity, and protect India’s economic and consumer interests.