Indian Airlines Launch 58 Flights to Evacuate Stranded Passengers Amid Regional Tensions
Flight Operations Amid Conflict
Mumbai, March 4: In response to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Indian airlines have organized 58 flights on Wednesday to assist passengers stranded in the Middle East, despite many regional airspaces being closed or restricted.
According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, Indian airlines are set to operate 58 flights on March 4, which includes 30 flights by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express. Additionally, foreign airlines are also conducting limited flights between India and the Gulf region, depending on operational and airspace conditions.
The ministry noted that Indian carriers have made necessary adjustments to their flight schedules, gradually resuming long-haul and ultra-long-haul services through alternative routes that bypass restricted airspace.
Reports indicate that Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air will operate several special flights from Gulf cities such as Dubai and Fujairah, landing at various airports including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Travelers have been advised not to head to Dubai International Airport or Al Maktoum International Airport unless they have received direct communication from their airline confirming their departure time.
Dubai's airspace is partially operational, allowing only a limited number of commercial flights. Emirates and IndiGo are running a few flights on Wednesday and are providing updates on their respective websites.
Etihad Airways announced that scheduled flights from Abu Dhabi are canceled, with operations suspended until 2 PM local time on March 5. However, some repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights may occur in coordination with UAE authorities.
Foreign airlines are also conducting limited operations between India and the Gulf region, based on operational and airspace factors.
The ministry emphasized that passenger safety is the top priority. All airlines have been instructed to maintain clear communication with passengers and comply with regulatory standards regarding refunds, rescheduling, and passenger support.
Furthermore, the Ministry is actively engaging with airlines and monitoring airfares to prevent any unreasonable increases in ticket prices during this challenging period.