Special Flights Launched for Stranded Passengers Amid Middle East Tensions
Relief Flights Initiated for Indian Nationals
New Delhi, March 3: In response to the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, Indian airlines are set to operate special relief flights from the Middle East on Tuesday to assist passengers who are currently stranded.
IndiGo has announced plans for 10 special flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to various destinations in India, as confirmed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
SpiceJet will also contribute by running four special flights from the UAE on March 3, aimed at bringing back Indian citizens who are unable to travel due to the abrupt closure of airspace.
These flights will connect Fujairah with three major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi, including two flights specifically to Mumbai, to expedite the return of passengers.
Furthermore, SpiceJet is set to resume its regular flights between Fujairah and Delhi, as well as between Fujairah and Mumbai, starting March 4, which will help restore normal travel connections between the UAE and India.
On Monday, approximately 357 flights were cancelled, but operations began to gradually resume by the evening, allowing stranded Indian aircraft to return.
Indian airlines are making necessary adjustments to their flight schedules, with long-haul and ultra-long-haul services being progressively reinstated through alternative routes that bypass restricted airspace.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has indicated that measures for repositioning aircraft and crew are in progress to quickly restore operational stability.
Additionally, airlines are increasing capacity as needed and are working closely with foreign aviation authorities and Indian embassies abroad to ensure safe and organized passenger movement.
Foreign airlines operating between India and the Gulf region are also conducting limited flights, depending on operational and airspace conditions. The government emphasizes that passenger safety is the top priority.
In light of the changing situation in the Middle East, the Centre is maintaining ongoing communication with airlines, airport operators, regulatory bodies, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure safe operations, orderly service restoration, and support for affected passengers.