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DGCA advises airlines to avoid 11 airspaces amid Middle East conflict

Aviation watchdog DGCA on Saturday advised airlines to avoid airspaces of 11 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, till March 2.

The countries are Iran, Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.

Many airspaces are already shut in the wake of the attacks on Iran by Israel and the US on Saturday. Indian airlines have suspended their services to the Middle East.

The advisory has been issued in alignment with international safety standards and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), the regulator said.

The watchdog has asked airlines to refrain from operating within the 11 affected airspaces at all flight levels and altitudes.

Carriers have been asked to closely monitor all updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the affected countries and national authorities.

"This advisory is effective immediately and remains valid until March 02, 2026, unless reviewed or superseded by further developments," DGCA said in the advisory.

Drone targets Kuwait Airport, minor injuries reported

Kuwait's General Authority of Civil Aviation said that a drone targeted Kuwait International Airport, resulting in minor injuries to a number of employees, in addition to limited material damage to the passenger building (T1).

Spokesperson Abdullah Al-Rajhi clarified that the competent authorities immediately initiated the implementation of approved emergency procedures, where the incident was handled and the site was secured. Currently, assessment and remediation efforts are underway, along with the reorganization of operational processes in accordance with the highest safety standards.

The Authority confirmed that the "situation is under complete control" by the relevant authorities, and that the safety of passengers and employees represents the utmost priority.

UN Secretary-General calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation

“The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Here is his full statement

"I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security.

All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. The Charter clearly prohibits “the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”

I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table.

I reiterate that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in full accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. The Charter provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security."

12 international flights cancelled, Chennai Airport issues advisory

As many as 12 flights belonging to several airlines bound for various international destinations have been cancelled following the conflict in the Middle East, airport authorities said on Saturday.

The Chennai Airport issued an advisory instructing passengers bound for overseas destinations, particularly via the Middle Eastern countries, to check with their respective airlines on their journey.

"As many as 12 flights to be operated later in the day and Sunday have been cancelled. Some of the aircraft belonging to Oman Air, Akasa Air, Air India Express, IndiGo, Gulf Air bound for various destinations, including Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi are cancelled," airport authorities said on Saturday.

In an update, Chennai Airport said, as per the information available, flights of Etihad and Emirates for Saturday (February 28) and Sunday (March 1) have also been cancelled.

"Owing to airspace closures over parts of the Middle Eastern countries, select international services may encounter delays or routing adjustments. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight updates," the advisory from the Chennai Airport said.

Russia condemns US, Israeli strikes on Iran, calls for return to diplomacy

Russia on Saturday condemned the US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran qualifying it as an “unprovoked” aggression against a sovereign state in violation of international law and called for immediate return to diplomacy.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also described the US and Israeli forces' strikes against the Iranian territory as “a pre-planned” act of aggression against an independent UN member state.

“The scale and nature of the military, political, and propaganda preparations preceding this reckless move, including the deployment of a large US military force to the region, leave no doubt that this was a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state, in violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It condemned that the attacks are being carried out under the guise of a renewed negotiation process.

The strikes were carried out despite Israel’s signals to Russia that Tel Aviv has no interest in military confrontation with the Islamic Republic, the Foreign Ministry statement said.

“Washington and Tel Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region closer to a humanitarian, economic, and, quite possibly, radiological catastrophe.

“The aggressors' intentions are clear and have been declared quite openly: to destroy the constitutional order and eliminate the leadership of an undesirable state that has refused to submit to the dictates of force and hegemony,” the ministry said and added that the responsibility for the negative consequences lies entirely with them.

Iran's foreign minister: 'Khamenei is still alive as far as I know. Regime change is imission impossible for Trump'

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with NBC News, said Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is still alive "as far as I know". He also said that US President Donald Trump's message about regime change in Iran is “mission impossible”.

Republican Massie: 'I am opposed to this war. This is not America First'

US Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie said he is opposed to war and this is not “America First”.

70 killed in southern Iran province: Official

At least 70 people have been killed and more than 90 injured in attacks on Minab and Jask, both in Hormozgan province in southern Iran, the head of Hormozgan Medical Sciences was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency (FNA).

Trump: Want 'freedom' for Iranian people, 'safe nation'

In a remark to Washington Post, US President Donald Trump said, “I want a safe nation, and that’s what we’re going to have. All I want is freedom for the people.”

Israel: Completed broad strike on Iran's strategic defence systems

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it struck multiple strategic aerial defense systems, including an advanced SA-65 system in the Kermanshah area of western Iran.