West Asia Crisis: Since 28 February, Around 4,97,000 Passengers Have Returned to India From The Region: MEA

New Delhi: Close to 4.97 lakh Indian passengers have flown back from West Asia since February 28, the Ministry of External Affairs said Thursday, as flight operations out of the region continue to recover amid ongoing tensions.

“Flight operations are improving with additional flights from the region; around 4,97,000 passengers have returned to India since 28 February,” the MEA stated.

Indian missions and posts across the region are in active contact with the Indian community, providing assistance and issuing safety advisories. The ministry’s 24×7 control room is operational and coordinating regularly with states and Union Territories.

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On the ground, the flight situation varies sharply by country. The UAE is running limited non-scheduled flights, with around 80 expected to land in India from various airports on Thursday. Saudi Arabia and Oman have kept their flights to India running. Qatar’s airspace is partially open, with 8 to 9 non-scheduled flights expected through the day.

Kuwait and Bahrain have closed their airspace. Passengers from both countries are being routed via special Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air flights operating through Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Travellers from Iran are being moved out through Armenia and Azerbaijan, while those in Israel are transiting via Jordan. Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq-based Indians are also being facilitated through Saudi Arabia. “Safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remains the highest priority,” the MEA said.