More than 52,000 Indians have returned safely from the Gulf region between March 1 and 7 as the conflict involving Iran continues to disrupt travel across West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday.
Of these, 32,107 passengers travelled on Indian carriers, the ministry said.
“India is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, especially with regard to the welfare of Indian nationals who have been stranded there during transit or on short-duration visits,” the MEA said in a statement.
The ministry urged Indian nationals in the region to follow the guidelines issued by local authorities and the advisories released by the Indian embassies and consulates in their respective locations.
To assist affected individuals and their families, the MEA has set up a Special Control Room to respond to queries.
With the partial reopening of airspace across parts of the region, airlines have begun resuming commercial operations.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Monday that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation affecting air travel between India and West Asia.
According to passenger movement data for March 7, a total of 51 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers arrived in India from the region, carrying 8,175 passengers.
For March 8, Indian airlines — Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air — planned 49 inbound flights from airports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat and Jeddah, subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions.
As per the latest update, Indian carriers are planning to operate 50 flights from the region on March 9.
The Civil Aviation Ministry said airlines are continuously assessing the situation at other airports across West Asia to enable additional flight operations wherever feasible.
Authorities are also keeping a close watch on airfares to ensure ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge during this period.
Passengers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules.
The MEA said Indian nationals in countries where commercial flight services remain unavailable have been advised to contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for guidance on the nearest available travel options.
“The safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad is of utmost priority for the Government, which remains engaged with governments across the region to facilitate assistance for all those in need,” the MEA said.
