Iran Crisis: Over 5.98 Lakh Indians Have Returned Home, Confirms Govt

The article reports on ongoing Indian passenger repatriation from West Asia and the Gulf, noting airspace restrictions and the use of alternate routes. It covers consular support to injured nationals and the stabilising flight network, including scheduled and non scheduled services to India. It also details casualties and deaths linked to regional incidents.

India has brought back about 5,98,000 passengers from West Asia and the Gulf region since February 28, as officials manage travel disruptions linked to the conflict involving US-Israel and Iran. At the same time, at least three Indian nationals suffered minor injuries in Dubai after debris from an aerial interception fell on residential areas, ANI reported.

Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said the overall flight network connecting the region and India is gradually stabilising. He explained that more services are running each day, including non-scheduled flights, as authorities watch security conditions and aviation advisories across different West Asian airspaces.

West Asia Gulf region situation: flights and passenger movement

Mahajan highlighted that regular airlines and extra flights have together enabled the large movement of passengers back to India. He stated, "Since February 28th, around 5,98,000 passengers have returned from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations between the UAE and India," outlining the ministry’s assessment.

According to Mahajan, flight operations from the United Arab Emirates remain key for travellers heading to India. He said, "Around 90 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to India today. Flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to different destinations in India. With the Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 8 to 10 flights to India today. Kuwait and Bahrain airspace remains closed. Jazeera Airways of Kuwait and Gulf Air of Bahrain have been operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam airport of Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India," giving a detailed picture of current air links.

West Asia Gulf region situation: alternate routes and closed airspace

Mahajan explained that closures of Kuwait and Bahrain airspace, and restrictions in other areas, have forced Indian authorities to arrange complex travel routes. These involve shifting passengers through neighbouring states by air and land, while coordinating with several governments and airlines, to keep Indian nationals moving even when direct flights are not possible.

Travel for Indian nationals is being organised through multiple corridors. From Iran, passengers are going via Armenia and Azerbaijan to India. From Israel, routes run through Egypt and Jordan. From Iraq, movement is routed through Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Travellers from Kuwait and Bahrain are being channelled through Saudi Arabia before flying onwards to Indian cities.

West Asia Gulf region situation: injuries in Dubai and consular support

Detailing the recent incident in Dubai, Mahajan said debris from an aerial interception landed on homes in southern parts of the city. Local authorities reported that two Indian nationals, one Bangladeshi national and one Sri Lankan national sustained minor injuries in that event, while damage to property was also recorded in the affected neighbourhood.

Mahajan added further clarity on Indians hurt in related attacks in Dubai. He said, "In attacks yesterday in Dubai, three Indian nationals sustained minor injuries. They are receiving medical treatment at local hospitals, and one has since been discharged. Our consulate is in close touch with the injured Indian nationals and their families and is rendering all assistance to them," and later repeated, "Our consulate is in close touch with the injured Indian nationals and their families and is rendering all assistance to them," stressing the consular focus.

The Ministry of External Affairs has kept a special control room active to respond to calls from Indian nationals and families in India. Mahajan said missions and posts across West Asia and the Gulf region are functioning round the clock, maintaining constant coordination with local authorities, and sharing updates on travel and safety conditions.

Mahajan also reported on two deaths involving Indian nationals in the region. The mortal remains of one person who died on March 11 in an incident on MT Safe Sea Vishnu off Iraq, and another who died in Kuwait on March 29, reached India earlier on April 1, following coordination with local authorities and the bereaved families.

Speaking about these deaths, Mahajan noted, "We have been in regular touch with their families and express our deepest condolences to them at this difficult time". Officials stressed that documentation and transport were handled in consultation with relatives, while missions continued to assist other Indians dealing with medical or travel emergencies across the region.

With inputs from ANI