Urgent Evacuation Flights Launched: Airlines Respond to Crisis in West Asia, Bringing Hope to Stranded Indians
Four evacuation flights operated by Etihad Airways successfully transported stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi, landing in various cities across India on Sunday evening. Flight EY216 arrived in Delhi at approximately 8 PM, while EY204 landed in Mumbai at 7:40 PM, EY334 reached Kochi around 10:10 PM, and EY238 touched down in Bengaluru at 9:45 PM. In an effort to assist further, IndiGo announced plans to operate ten relief flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Indian cities on March 3, aiming to bring home passengers affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Indian civil aviation ministry is closely monitoring the airspace situation in the region and its implications for flight operations.
Air India Express will also resume flights to and from Muscat on March 3, connecting to several Indian cities including Delhi, Kochi, and Mumbai; however, other Gulf routes remain suspended until March 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM IST. Prime Minister Narendra Modi communicated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa over the weekend, expressing India’s condemnation of recent attacks on their nations and emphasizing the importance of the Indian diaspora’s safety.
Notably, tensions flared after a drone boat attack targeted the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MKD VYOM off the coast of Oman, resulting in the death of an Indian mariner. Prime Minister Modi expressed “grave concern” regarding the situation in West Asia and reassured efforts to safeguard Indian nationals in the region. Increased security measures were implemented across India in response to protests following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Demonstrations occurred in major cities, including Delhi and Hyderabad, where locals expressed their grief and anger. The Shia community organized mass protests in Bhopal, while vigils were held across various states. In Jammu and Kashmir, significant unrest led to heightened security and movement restrictions as locals mourned Khamenei’s passing.
Indian embassies throughout the Gulf and Middle Eastern regions are actively assisting nationals. Despite travel disruptions, communication has been established with the Indian community in Kuwait and Lebanon, warning against unnecessary travel. Reports indicate that a group of nearly 90 MBA students from Pune is stranded in Dubai, alongside other individuals from Maharashtra seeking assistance through the Ministry of External Affairs.
Major airlines, including IndiGo and Emirates, have suspended flights to the Middle East, with many offering waivers and full refunds for affected travelers. In light of the escalating situation, Prime Minister Modi convened a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting with key ministers to strategize the safe return of Indian nationals.
The regional unrest has raised broader economic concerns, with analysts predicting potential increases in crude oil prices that could impact India’s energy sector significantly due to its high dependency on foreign oil. The geopolitical landscape remains tense, prompting protests and international scrutiny as the conflict between Iran and the U.S. intensifies.
With the Indian community exceeding four million in the UAE, the safety and repatriation of its citizens is paramount in these challenging times. Improved communication channels and logistical coordination are vital for ensuring their well-being as the situation unfolds.
As the PM and various state leaders seek to assure the public, efforts to facilitate safe evacuations and monitor developments continue actively amid rising fears regarding air travel and safety in the region.
Original Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iran-us-israel-war-impact-on-india-live-updates-flight-status-air-india-indigo-protests-dubai-khamenei-death-latest-news-101772411021130.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-02 23:18:00
