Around 90 flights are anticipated to fly from the UAE to India on Sunday, with ongoing flight operations from Saudi Arabia and Oman as well, as per a government statement. Qatar Airways is set to conduct approximately 9–10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India on the same day, following the partial reopening of airspace. Kuwait’s airspace remains closed, but Jazeera Airways has initiated flight services to various Indian destinations from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, while Bahrain’s airspace is closed, Gulf Air is continuing special non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.
The statement highlighted that due to flight restrictions from Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, the travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated through Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways affirmed its vigilant monitoring of shipping activities, port operations, and the safety of Indian seafarers amidst the Middle East conflict. Over 547 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated, including 13 within the last 24 hours.
All Indian seafarers in the Middle East region are reported safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers are situated in the western Persian Gulf, with the Directorate General of Shipping overseeing the situation in collaboration with ship owners, RPSL agencies, and Indian Missions. The DG Shipping Control Room is operational round the clock, having managed 3,730 calls and 7,058 emails so far, including 60 calls and 129 emails within the last 24 hours.
Port operations across India are running smoothly without congestion, as confirmed by State Maritime Boards. The Shipping Ministry continues its close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations. Indian Missions are actively engaged with the community, offering assistance and issuing advisories.
The MEA emphasized its ongoing close monitoring of developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community as the top priority. A dedicated 24×7 control room is operational, maintaining regular coordination with States and UTs. Missions and Posts in the region are operating round the clock, managing helplines, liaising with Indian community organizations, issuing advisories, engaging with local authorities, and assisting seafarers, students, stranded nationals, and short-term visitors.
Since February 28, over 350,000 passengers have returned from the region to India. Tragically, six Indian nationals have lost their lives, with one individual still missing. Missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are actively working with relevant authorities regarding the missing Indian national and the repatriation of deceased Indian nationals.
