In a significant relief for thousands of Indians stranded overseas, limited flight operations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India have resumed after days of disruption caused by escalating tensions in West Asia.
The first flight from Abu Dhabi landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, marking the beginning of phased relief travel. Additional services also arrived in Mumbai and at Kempegowda International Airport, restoring partial connectivity after widespread cancellations.
Passengers who returned described tense travel conditions, including rerouted flight paths and heightened security checks across Gulf airports.
What Led to the Airspace Closures
The disruption followed military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets on February 28. According to international media reports and official statements from the concerned governments, the strikes were aimed at strategic facilities in Iran.
Subsequent reports from global news agencies indicated that senior Iranian figures were among those killed, including Ali Khamenei. However, detailed confirmation regarding casualties has varied across sources, and independent verification remains limited.
In response, Iran reportedly launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting American military installations and strategic locations in parts of the Middle East. Several Gulf nations hosting US forces imposed temporary airspace restrictions and heightened security measures, leading to extensive flight cancellations and diversions.
Government Monitoring and Diplomatic Coordination
The Government of India has stated that it is closely monitoring developments in the region. Officials confirmed that Indian embassies and consulates across Gulf countries are in contact with local authorities to assist affected nationals.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also indicated that it is reviewing the evolving airspace situation in coordination with airlines and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). No full-scale evacuation has been officially declared, but authorities have facilitated additional commercial services to clear passenger backlogs.
State governments in India have activated airport assistance desks and helplines for returning residents.
IndiGo Plans Special Services From Jeddah
Low-cost carrier IndiGo announced plans to operate ten special flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Indian cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad.
The airline clarified that these are special commercial relief flights subject to regulatory approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate documentation support and passenger clearance. Officials confirmed that the operation is airline-led, with diplomatic coordination to assist stranded passengers where required.
Situation Remains Fluid
Civil aviation authorities have cautioned that flight schedules may continue to change depending on security advisories and airspace access in the region. The DGCA has advised passengers travelling from Gulf countries to regularly check with airlines for updated departure timings and route changes.
Travellers are also being advised to arrive early at airports, monitor official airline notifications, and avoid relying on unverified social media updates.
While partial services have resumed, authorities emphasise that the situation remains dynamic and subject to developments in West Asia.
