News Desk: Indian airlines are set to operate 58 flights between India and the Gulf region today to facilitate the movement of passengers stranded due to the ongoing conflict in parts of West Asia.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the flights include 30 services by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express, aimed at easing travel disruptions and restoring connectivity between India and the Gulf.
The ministry said it is closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation across West Asia and its impact on international flight operations. So far, 1,221 flights operated by Indian carriers and 388 by foreign airlines have been cancelled as the conflict continues to disrupt aviation routes.
To manage the crisis, airlines have adjusted schedules and rerouted long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights through alternative paths that avoid restricted airspace, allowing the gradual resumption of international operations.
In one such relief effort, around 200 Indian citizens stranded in Saudi Arabia were brought back on a special IndiGo flight. The aircraft, carrying passengers who had been stuck in Jeddah, landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad late Tuesday night.
Emotional scenes were witnessed at the airport as returning passengers reunited with family members after days of uncertainty. One elderly passenger told reporters that they had been stranded at the airport before spending two days in a hotel in Mecca before the evacuation was arranged. Several passengers also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for facilitating their safe return.
Meanwhile, an Air India flight from Dubai landed in New Delhi, becoming one of the first Indian carrier services to arrive in the national capital since widespread disruptions began following the conflict.
The evacuation efforts come amid rising tensions in West Asia after reported US-Israel strikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear command infrastructure. The situation escalated further following reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, triggering strong retaliation from Tehran.
In response, Iran reportedly launched missiles and armed drones targeting US military bases and key energy installations, raising fears of a broader regional escalation and continuing uncertainty for international aviation routes.
Authorities have also said they are keeping a close watch on airfare trends to prevent any undue surge in ticket prices during the disruption. Airlines have been instructed to maintain transparent communication with passengers and comply with regulations regarding refunds, rescheduling, and passenger assistance.
Passengers planning to travel have been advised to check the latest flight status with their airlines before heading to airports and rely only on official sources for updates.
