India Rushes Relief Flights Amid West Asia Crisis

India has stepped up evacuation and travel support efforts as escalating tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel disrupt air travel across West Asia.

The civil aviation ministry said it is closely monitoring airspace developments in the region and their impact on flight operations.

IndiGo to Operate Special Flights

IndiGo will operate 10 special flights from Jeddah on March 3 to bring back passengers stranded due to airspace closures.

According to the aviation ministry, the airline is coordinating with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate passenger movement.

Major airlines had earlier suspended or rerouted services to destinations across the Gulf following rising security concerns.

Air India Express Resumes Muscat Services

Air India Express announced it will resume operations to and from Muscat from March 3.

Flights are scheduled to connect Muscat with Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mumbai and Tiruchirappalli. However, operations to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain suspended until further notice.

Passengers have been advised to check with airlines before heading to airports.

UAE Announces ‘Special Flights’

The United Arab Emirates said it will begin operating special flights to help stranded travellers depart the country.

Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central resumed limited operations on Monday evening, though authorities have urged passengers to travel only after receiving confirmed departure information from airlines.

The Indian community in the UAE is estimated at around 4.4 million people, making it one of the largest expatriate groups in the region.

Centre Assures Safe Return

Union ministers stated that the government is prepared to bring back Indian nationals stranded in Gulf countries if required.

Petroleum Minister Pralhad Joshi said discussions are underway with Indian embassies to coordinate assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held separate phone conversations with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

The Prime Minister condemned recent attacks in the region and thanked the leaders for ensuring the safety of the Indian community.

States Set Up Helplines

Several state governments have activated support systems for residents stranded abroad.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a 24-hour helpline for Punjabis stuck in Gulf nations. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to the Prime Minister seeking urgent measures to safeguard Kannadigas.

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh leaders have also urged the Centre to ensure safe evacuation of workers and students from conflict-affected areas.

Reports of Disruptions and Casualties

Authorities confirmed that one Indian mariner was killed in an attack on an oil tanker off the Gulf of Oman, according to news agency reports.

Meanwhile, flight cancellations and airspace restrictions have left hundreds of Indian travellers stranded in cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qom in Iran.

Students’ groups have appealed for relocation of Indian students amid reports of continued airstrikes.

Oil and Security Concerns

The broader crisis has also pushed global crude oil prices higher, raising concerns over economic and energy impacts for India, which depends heavily on imported oil and gas.

Security has been heightened at key installations across India following protests in parts of the country.

What Happens Next

As airlines cautiously resume limited services and governments coordinate relief measures, authorities continue to assess the evolving security situation.

For now, evacuation plans, special flights and diplomatic outreach remain central to India’s response.

Citizens travelling to or from West Asia have been advised to stay in touch with Indian missions and follow official advisories.