India Faces Challenges Evacuating Stranded Citizens From Middle East

By Shakir Husain

NEW DELHI, March 8 (Bernama) – India continues to face challenges evacuating its stranded citizens from the volatile Middle East as airlines scramble to arrange special flights for passengers affected by the regional conflict.

In a post on X, Air India said it plans to operate non-scheduled flights on Sunday to bring stranded passengers from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.

"Due to the dynamic situation in West Asia, flight schedules can change at short notice. We recommend verifying your flight status at our website before you leave home," it said.

Air India and Air India Express are also operating scheduled flights on the Jeddah and Muscat routes, which the airline said are currently assessed as safe for operations.

The Middle East has been engulfed in a vicious conflict since February 28 when the United States and Israel launched a war on Iran.

Iran has responded by targeting Israel as well as the American military bases and other war assets in the Gulf region, where almost 10 million Indians live and work.

In a statement on Saturday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said it is continuously monitoring the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, especially with regard to the welfare of Indian nationals who have been stranded there during transit or on short-duration visits

"Following the partial opening of airspace across the region in the last few days, Indian and foreign airlines are operating commercial flights, including non-scheduled flights, to enable the return of Indian passengers who were in transit or on short-term visits in these countries," it said.

More than 52,000 Indians returned from the Gulf region to India in March.

-- BERNAMA