Flights are still operating from Gulf countries where the airspace remains open, with approximately 8,43,000 passengers having traveled from the region to India since February 28, as per a Ministry of External Affairs statement. In the United Arab Emirates, airlines are running limited non-scheduled commercial flights to India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 95 flights expected on Thursday.
Operations from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to Indian destinations are ongoing, while Qatar Airways is anticipated to operate around 8-10 flights to India with the partial opening of Qatar’s airspace. Bahrain’s airspace is open, and Gulf Air is planning limited flight operations from Bahrain to India, currently operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India to facilitate the travel of Indian nationals.
Kuwait’s airspace remains closed, leading Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways to operate non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India. Due to the airspace closure, the travel of Indian nationals from Kuwait is being facilitated through Saudi Arabia to India. The Embassy of India in Tehran has assisted in moving 2,180 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India, including students and fishermen.
Israel’s airspace is partially open with restricted flight operations, and the travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated through Jordan and Egypt to India. Iraq’s airspace, although open with restricted flight operations, sees the travel of Indian nationals facilitated through Jordan and Saudi Arabia to India. The Ministry of External Affairs maintains a special control room working closely with Indian Missions to ensure the safety and welfare of the Indian community in the Gulf region.
Indian Missions and Posts are operating 24/7 helplines to assist Indian nationals, issuing updated advisories regularly on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations, and consular services. They are also actively engaging with Indian community associations, professional groups, Indian companies, and other stakeholders in the region.
