8.43 Lakh Indians Return From Gulf And West Asia Amid Airspace Restrictions: MEA

The article outlines ongoing evacuation and travel support for Indian nationals across Gulf and West Asia amid airspace restrictions. It details airline operations, regional coordination, consular assistance, and real-time monitoring to ensure safe, timely travel from hubs in the Gulf and neighbouring states.

India is moving large numbers of people through the Gulf and West Asia despite airspace curbs, with the Ministry of External Affairs confirming that “Since February 28, around 8,43,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India”, while about 95 flights from the UAE alone are set to operate in a single day under adjusted schedules.

Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan explained at an inter-ministerial briefing that evacuation support and regular travel remain active from several hubs, even as some routes stay shut. Limited flights from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Dammam in Saudi Arabia are helping Indian nationals reach multiple Indian cities through alternative paths.

Flight operations for Indian nationals across Gulf and West Asia

Mahajan said that, alongside operations from the UAE, services are running from Saudi Arabian and Omani airports to many Indian destinations, while Qatari airspace is only partly open. Mahajan noted that “Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 8 to 10 flights to India today,” giving passengers more choices despite regional restrictions.

The official underlined that some routes still face full closures. “Kuwaiti air-space remains closed. Jazeera Airways of Kuwait and Kuwait Airways continue to operate non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India. Due to the airspace closure, we continue to facilitate the travel of Indian nationals from Kuwait, via Saudi Arabia, to India.”

Safety coordination for Indian nationals in Gulf and West Asia

Explaining the broader response, Mahajan stressed that New Delhi is tracking developments in real time. Mahajan said, “We continue to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region. Our special control room within the Ministry is operational and is working in tandem with our Missions abroad.” This mechanism is designed for quick coordination during sudden travel disruptions.

Mahajan added that the Centre is coordinating closely with regional authorities in India. “We are in regular contact with the State Governments and Union Territories to share information and coordinate our efforts. Our efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of the large Indian community residing in the region," Mahajan stated, highlighting the scale of the diaspora in Gulf and West Asia.

Consular support and advisories for Indian nationals in Gulf and West Asia

Indian embassies and consulates in the Gulf and West Asia are providing constant assistance to stranded or anxious travellers. Mahajan said, “Our Missions and Posts are operating round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting our citizens. Updated advisories are being issued, including information related to local government guidelines, flight and travel situations, and consular services,” ensuring people receive timely updates.

Outreach also runs through community networks. Mahajan noted, “ Our missions remain actively engaged with Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups, Indian companies, and other stakeholders, providing updates on the status of flights." According to Mahajan, such engagement helps spread verified information on flights and rules quickly to Indian nationals scattered across the region.

Regional airspace and flights for Indian nationals in Gulf and West Asia

Mahajan said that “Airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled commercial flights based on operational and safety considerations between India and the UAE,” while Bahrain and Iraq maintain partly constrained, yet functional, skies. Bahrain’s carrier is using Dammam as a key link to India, similar to how Kuwait-related traffic is being re-routed through Saudi Arabia.

Mahajan outlined the current airspace situation affecting Indian nationals in Gulf and West Asia, with several routes adjusted rather than fully halted. The following table summarises the reported status for key countries and the main arrangements currently in place.

On Bahrain, Mahajan said, "Bahrain's airspace is open. Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has announced that it plans to commence limited flight operations from Bahrain to India. Gulf Air is currently operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to various destinations across India. We continue to facilitate the travel of Indian nationals from Bahrain, via Saudi Arabia, to India. "

Conflict-affected parts of West Asia continue to receive special attention from Indian authorities. Mahajan said, " Our Embassy in Tehran has, thus far, facilitated the movement of 2180 nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. This includes 981 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen." These groups are being moved stepwise to safer transit points before flying home.

Travel options from Israel, Iraq and neighbouring areas also remain under watch. Mahajan said, "Israeli airspace is partially open, with restricted flight operations. We continue to facilitate the travel of Indian nationals from Israel, via Georgia and from Egypt to India. Iraqi airspace is open, with restricted flight operations." Mahajan added, "We continue to facilitate the travel of Indian nationals from Iraq--via Jordan and Saudi Arabia--back to India."

With several air routes disrupted or narrowed, Mahajan’s briefing showed that India is using control rooms, helplines, community networks and re-routed flights to keep Indian nationals moving from Gulf and West Asia to India, while airspace conditions across countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, Israel, Iraq, Bahrain and the UAE remain under constant review.

With inputs from ANI