The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday stated that over 12.60 lakh passengers have returned to India from West Asia since February 28.
In light of the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India remains actively engaged in ensuring preparedness and continuity across key sectors through coordinated response measures.
The MEA said it continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focussed efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region.
The Government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region.
Indian Missions are extending all assistance to the Indian crew members on vessels in the region including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance and facilitating requests to return to India, the Ministry said.
“The overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India. Since 28 February, around 12,65,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India,” the MEA informed.
“Iran airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to Iran and those already there in Iran are urged to leave via land border routes, with our Embassy’s support. So far, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated movement of 2,443 Indian nationals out of Iran through land border routes,” the Ministry said.
Israel airspace is open and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.
In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected today between UAE and India.
Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India. With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is operating flights to various destinations in India.
“Kuwait airspace is open. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways have announced that they would be resuming limited flight operations from Kuwait to India soon. They continue to operate non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport of Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India,” the Ministry stated.
Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air is operating flights from Bahrain to various destinations in India.
Iraq airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.