New Delhi: Indian airlines have canceled more than 10,000 flights to West Asia since the US-Iran war began on February 28. Aviation Ministry Joint Secretary Asangba Chuba AO on Tuesday said Indian airlines had an average of 300-350 daily flights to West Asia, which have now come down to 80-90. Apart from the monetary losses caused by this decline, airlines are now having to take much longer routes to and from the West, at a time when aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have increased globally.Chuba AO said: “The Aviation Ministry is actively working with all stakeholders…exploring all ways we can support the industry, especially the airlines, and reduce the costs which will ultimately be passed on to consumers. “All measures are being explored to ensure that the momentum in the sector continues.”The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently granted temporary relaxation in flight duty time limit (FDTL) for pilots operating long-haul flights to and from the West, allowing pilots tired from long haul flights to fly longer than before. The discount is valid till April 30. “It will be reconsidered. We still have some time. This is an evolving situation and keeping in mind what happens in the coming days, this arrangement will be reconsidered.” He said, ‘If the need arises, we will take the necessary decision at that time.’Meanwhile, after IndiGo, Air India has also hiked fuel surcharge by more than doubling aviation turbine fuel (ATF) base prices for international flights and by 25% for domestic flights. From Wednesday morning, Air India’s domestic fuel surcharge will be revised from Rs 399 to between Rs 299 and Rs 899, depending on the distance.The old fuel surcharge of Rs 399 will increase to $24 for SAARC flights. Surcharges for other international flights have been revised to between $50 (for flights to West Asia) and $280 (for flights to North America and Australia).