Flight operations are showing signs of improvement between India and the Middle East region, as per an official statement. In the UAE, around 70 flights operated on March 17, with an expectation of about 75 flights on the following day to various destinations in India. Since March 5, over 50 flights have been running daily, indicating enhanced connectivity.
Flights are still operational from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India. The Qatar airspace is partially open, with five flights operating on Tuesday and services to nine Indian destinations announced starting Wednesday. However, the Kuwait airspace has remained closed since February 28, with special non-scheduled flights expected from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia by Jazeera Airways.
For Indian nationals in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, where airspace restrictions persist, transit through Saudi Arabia remains facilitated. Indian students from Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz in Iran have been relocated to safer locations, with necessary assistance provided by the Embassy. Since February 28, approximately 2,60,000 passengers have returned from the region to India, with the Embassy of India in Tehran aiding Indian students, including those attempting to cross land borders into Azerbaijan.
Indian nationals are advised to adhere to Embassy advisories for smooth land-border crossings into Armenia and Azerbaijan. A dedicated MEA control room is operational to assist Indian nationals and their families, with continued coordination with state governments and Union Territories. Indian Missions and Posts in the region are active round the clock, maintaining contact with community associations and organizations, and issuing updated advisories. A decrease in helpline queries indicates resolution of many urgent issues faced by stranded nationals.
The government stresses its alertness and close coordination among concerned Ministries, agencies, and State/UT Governments, with necessary measures in place to safeguard key sectors and national interests.
