The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said on Tuesday that Indian carriers had operated a total of 24 flights during the ongoing conflict in West Asia, adding that the carriers planned to operate another 58 flights on Wednesday.
Sharing an operational update amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, MoCA said that of the 58 scheduled flights, at least 30 are from IndiGo and 23 from Air India and Air India Express.
In a statement released today, the ministry said “Indian carriers have made calibrated adjustments to their flight schedules, with long-haul and ultra-long-haul operations being gradually resumed through alternative routes that avoid restricted airspace.”
The development comes days after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, targeting its key military and naval forces. On 28 February, at least 47 Iranian leaders were reported dead, including the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death further worsened the situation as Tehran vowed to avenge his death.
MoCa continues to monitor the situation
The ministry added that it continues to monitor the evolving airspace situation in parts of West Asia and its impact on international flight operations. As of March 3, a total of 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign carriers were reported cancelled.
The MoCA said the government is making special arrangements to facilitate the movement of all those stranded in parts of West Asia, adding that airlines are deploying additional capacity whenever needed and are also coordinating with foreign aviation officials, along with Indian missions abroad, to ensure safe movement of passengers.
PM Modi talks to Gulf leaders and expresses concern about Indians in West Asia
Over the past few days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to several leaders in West Asia and expressed concerns about the safety and welfare of Indians stranded in the region. Prime Minister Modi also condemned the attack on West Asian countries, which plunged the region into a wider military confrontation. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with the Sultan of Oman and the Crown Prince of Kuwait. He previously spoke with the King of Bahrain, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Stranded Indians seek Centre’s help
According to news agency ANI, several tourists from Telangana, Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh were stranded in Bahrain and have now sought help from the central government to return home as tensions escalate, forcing airlines to cancel or suspend flights due to airspace closures. The conflict has disrupted the aviation sector and forced some of the world’s biggest airlines, including Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways, to suspend or cancel flights.
On Tuesday, Air India operated the Indian carrier’s first flight from Dubai to Delhi, bringing back 149 stranded passengers.
