Ukraine has banned all civilian aircraft in the region. What does this imply for Air India’s emergency flights?
Ukraine issued a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) about 7.30 a.m. IST prohibiting any civilian aircraft to the region, citing a “possible hazard to civil aviation.” An Air India aircraft intended to evacuate Indian residents from Kyiv took off from Delhi shortly after the NOTAM was issued but will return due to the limitations. The jet entered Iranian airspace around 10.30 a.m. IST.
What is the purpose of the NOTAM released by Ukrainian authorities?
The NOTAM — a warning to pilots, air traffic controllers, and airline operations teams on the state of certain airspace — was sent to escalate tensions over Russian soldiers stationed near the Ukrainian border. Ukraine has been embroiled in intentions for a few weeks now.
Non-essential foreigners, such as Indian students and embassy staff families, could fly out of the nation since the country’s airspace was maintained open for civilian planes.
What is the purpose of Air India’s flight to Kyiv today?
Air India’s flight was one of just three in the way of Kyiv Boryspil Airport as of 9.50 a.m. IST, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. Another aircraft from Baku, Ukraine International Airlines, was diverted to a Moldovan airport, which shares a northern border with Ukraine.
Is it possible that Air India’s third flight will land in Kyiv?
While the airline hasn’t confirmed the cancellation, the limitation may prevent the third flight from departing on Saturday. Even though the Ukrainian NOTAM is only in force until 5.30 a.m. IST on Friday, given the growing tensions, it may be prolonged.
Published By: Jaspreet Singh
Edited By: Kritika Kashyap
