New Delhi, March 20 -- Chairman of STIC Travel Group and Aviation expert Subhash Goyal on Friday noted that Indian airlines are flying over Oman and Western Saudi Arabia, taking a detour amid hampered airspace in West Asia.

Speaking to ANI, Goyal appreciated the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for advising airlines to ensure contingency plans as part of safety risk assessments.

He said, "Airline operations are already affected, with carriers avoiding conflict zones and following detours. Rising costs have led both domestic and international airlines to add fuel surcharges. Indian carriers cannot fly over Pakistan, unlike westbound airlines, and many flights have been cancelled. Most now route via Oman and western Saudi Arab...