Following the spike in tension in the Middle East after Iran launched missile attacks on a US base in Iraq early on Wednesday, the ministry of external affairs issued a travel advisory for Iraq, asking Indians to avoid non-essential travel to the region.
The MEA Twitter handle informed, "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq.”
The MEA added the Indian embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil would continue to function normally to provide support to all Indians in the country.
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Meanwhile, the DGCA has asked Indian carriers to take precautions and be vigilant in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf. The Times of India reported that the DGCA had held meetings with airlines to "sensitise them". Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet all use these air routes. Any restrictions would mean longer travel time and added fuel costs.
Earlier on Wednesday, the US Federal Aviation Authority barred US pilots and commercial carriers from flying over Iranian and Iraqi airspace and parts of the Persian Gulf. On Sunday, the FAA had warned of the potential for miscalculation or misidentification” for civilian aircraft.