New Delhi, April 7 -- The ongoing West Asia conflict has put significant pressure on India's aviation sector by impacting airline revenues and increasing operational costs, Civil Aviation Ministry Joint Secretary Asangba Chuba Ao said on Tuesday.

Speaking during an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Ao said airlines are facing a two-fold challenge due to the crisis, which began over a month ago.

"50 per cent of all international operations by Indian carriers used to be to this region. International flights are a good source of revenue for airlines, so it has definitely impacted their revenue income, which affects their financials," he said.

He added that the second major challenge is rising Aviation Turbine...