India, Oman and UAE to Form Aviation Technical Committee

India, Oman and the UAE agree to establish a technical committee to address flight disruptions and coordinate regional airspace operations amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

India, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to establish a technical trilateral committee to address flight-operational challenges arising from airspace restrictions and geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced the initiative on November 12, 2026, following his meeting with UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri.

The proposed committee will bring together aviation authorities and technical representatives from the three countries to identify operational difficulties and develop coordinated solutions for regional flight operations. The initiative aims to strengthen communication and coordination among aviation stakeholders as airlines continue to face disruptions caused by changing airspace conditions across the region.

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Naidu described his meeting with the UAE minister as an important engagement amid the evolving geopolitical situation and its impact on regional aviation. He said both sides had agreed to establish the trilateral mechanism to address operational challenges and work towards coordinated responses.

The announcement comes amid continuing airspace restrictions across parts of West Asia following escalating regional tensions. These restrictions have affected international flight routes, forcing airlines to modify flight paths, adjust schedules and cancel certain services. Indian carriers have also faced operational disruptions on routes connecting the country with destinations in the Gulf region, including Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.

The restrictions have increased the complexity of flight planning, particularly for airlines operating between India and destinations in the Middle East. Changes in available air corridors can affect flight duration, fuel consumption, operating costs and aircraft scheduling. The proposed committee is expected to facilitate discussions on these issues and explore ways to improve coordination between the participating countries.

The trilateral initiative will also support broader technical discussions scheduled between the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Middle East (MID) and Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions later in November 2026. These discussions will focus on addressing regional civil aviation challenges and improving coordination across airspace management systems.

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ICAO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, works with member states to establish international standards and recommended practices for aviation safety, security, navigation and air transport operations. Engagement between its regional offices is expected to provide an additional platform for addressing cross-border aviation concerns.

The agreement reflects growing cooperation between India and Gulf countries on aviation connectivity and operational coordination. India maintains extensive air links with Oman and the UAE, supporting passenger movement, tourism, trade and business travel. Any improvement in regional flight coordination could help airlines manage disruptions and maintain connectivity.