Iran-US War: Limited Flights Resume to India, Relief for Stranded Travellers

Limited flight operations from parts of the Middle East to India resumed on Tuesday, offering partial relief to stranded passengers as the Iran-US conflict entered its fourth day. While widespread airspace restrictions continue across the Gulf region, select relief and scheduled services have restarted under tight operational conditions.

IndiGo announced it will operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad on March 3, subject to regulatory approvals and prevailing airspace safety conditions. The airline is coordinating closely with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate stranded passengers.

The phased resumption comes after large-scale flight cancellations over the weekend disrupted travel across major Gulf hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Airlines had suspended services due to missile strikes, airspace closures and heightened security alerts triggered by the escalating Iran-US confrontation.

Centre Reviews Safety of Indian Diaspora

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reviewed the evolving crisis and expressed concern over the safety of millions of Indians living across West Asia. Departments have been directed to take necessary and feasible measures to assist affected nationals.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government is in constant touch with Indian missions in the region and remains prepared for evacuation if required. Officials indicated that large-scale evacuation efforts would depend on security conditions and reopening of regional airspace corridors.

States Activate Emergency Helplines

Several state governments have stepped in to support stranded residents:

• Karnataka has activated round-the-clock emergency operation centres. According to officials, 109 residents from the state are currently stranded, including 100 in Dubai and nine in Bahrain.

• Andhra Pradesh advised expatriates to consider travelling to Muscat in Oman for onward flights to Kochi, as Muscat-India routes have resumed partially.

• Telangana established a control room at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi to assist affected families.

• Punjab launched a 24-hour helpline for Punjabis facing travel disruptions.

Authorities are also monitoring cases of students stranded in Iran and neighbouring regions, with families urging the Centre to facilitate their safe return.

Limited Relief, Ongoing Uncertainty

While the resumption of select flights offers hope, officials emphasise that full normalcy in aviation operations will depend on stabilisation of the regional security situation. Airspace closures over parts of Iran and surrounding territories continue to disrupt global aviation corridors.

With lakhs of Indians working in Gulf nations, the crisis has triggered widespread concern among families back home. For now, airlines are advising passengers to check flight status regularly and remain in close contact with embassies and state helplines.

As the Iran-US conflict unfolds, travel operations remain fluid, and further advisories are expected in the coming days.