NewKerala.com

375,000 Indians Evacuated from West Asia Amid Conflict, Flights Continue

The Ministry of External Affairs has facilitated the return of approximately 375,000 Indian passengers from West Asia since regional tensions escalated on February 28. Limited non-scheduled flights are operating from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, while airspace in Kuwait and Bahrain remains closed. India has also assisted over 1,000 nationals, including students, in exiting Iran via alternative land routes through Armenia and Azerbaijan. The conflict, triggered by military strikes involving the US and Israel, has led Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global trade.

Key Points: 375,000 Indians Return from West Asia, MEA Updates on Flights

  • 375k passengers returned to India
  • Limited flights from UAE, Saudi, Oman
  • Qatar airspace partially open
  • 1,031 Indians evacuated from Iran
  • Kuwait & Bahrain airspace closed
2 min read

Around 375,000 passengers returned to India since Feb 28: MEA on West Asia conflict

MEA reports 375,000 passengers returned to India from West Asia. Flights operate from UAE, Saudi, Oman; Iran evacuations via land routes.

"Since February 28, around 375,000 passengers have returned from the region to India. - Aseem Mahajan, MEA"

New Delhi, March 23

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that nearly 375,000 passengers have returned to India from West Asia since February 28 amid the ongoing regional tensions.

Addressing an interministerial briefing on the recent development in West Asia here, MEA Joint Secretary (Gulf), Aseem Mahajan, said that airlines are operating limited, non-scheduled flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations. Around 95 such flights are expected to operate from various UAE airports to India on Monday.

"Since February 28, around 375,000 passengers have returned from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited, non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations between UAE and India. Today, around 95 flights are expected to operate from various airports in UAE to India," he said.

He added that flight operations from Oman and Saudi Arabia to India are continuing, while Qatar's airspace remains partially open, with Qatar Airways likely to operate around 8 to 10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India. However, airspaces in Kuwait and Bahrain remain closed amid the conflict.

"Flights continue to operate from Oman and Saudi Arabia to India, with the Qatari airspace partially open. Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 8 to 10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India today. Kuwaiti and Bahraini airspaces remain closed," the Joint Secretary said.

Mahajan further said that India is facilitating the movement of its nationals stranded in Iran through alternative routes via Armenia and Azerbaijan. Several Indian students in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz have also been relocated to safer areas.

"Till date, 1,031 Indians, including 707 Indian students and 324 Indian citizens, have crossed out of Iran with our mission's assistance," he said, adding that the government continues to closely monitor the situation and assist affected citizens.

The development comes amid the escalating conflict that began on February 28 with the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in retaliation, targeted Israel and US assets in several Gulf countries, causing disruption in the waterways and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

Due to the conflict in the region, Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
My cousin was in Dubai and just got back on one of these flights. The ticket prices were sky-high, but at least he's home safe. The government should look into capping fares during such crises. Still, good work on the evacuation.
A
Aseem Mahajan
The Strait of Hormuz being closed is a huge worry for global oil prices. This will directly hit our economy and petrol/diesel rates. Hope diplomacy prevails soon. Our foreign policy needs to be very careful to protect our energy interests.
S
Sarah B
Relieved to hear the students in Iran are being moved to safer areas and helped to leave. As an NRI, it's reassuring to know the government is actively assisting citizens abroad during conflicts. Well done on the Armenia/Azerbaijan route planning.
K
Karthik V
While the evacuation numbers are impressive, the article mentions the conflict started with an attack on Iran's leader. This is a very volatile situation. India must maintain strong ties with all Gulf nations and not take sides. Our diaspora's safety and our oil imports depend on it.
M
Meera T
So many families must be waiting anxiously. Prayers for everyone's safe return. It's good to see concrete steps being taken and regular updates from the MEA. Hope the airspaces of Kuwait and Bahrain open soon too.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50