New Delhi: Considering the tense situation prevailing in Iraq, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a travel advisory to Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq till the situation settles.
The MEA also advised Indians residing in Iraq against travelling within the country and to stay alert.
The advisory added, “Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq.”
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked Indian airlines to remain vigilant and take all precautionary measures when flying over the Iranian and Iraqi airspace.
The development comes after US-Iran geopolitical tensions in the region escalated on Wednesday, January 8, after Iran bombed American military bases in Iraq.
“A meeting was held with all concerned airlines which operate flights over these airspaces,” a senior DGCA official told IANS.
“We have sensitised them to remain vigilant and take all precautions.”
At present only Air India uses the Iran-Iraq airspace for operations to Europe and other destinations.
Currently, no Indian airline flies directly to Iran.
(With inputs from IANS)
