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Indian Airlines Launch Relief Flights from Middle East Amid Airspace Crisis

Indian airlines are mobilizing special relief flights from the Middle East to repatriate stranded passengers following airspace disruptions due to regional conflict. IndiGo has scheduled 10 flights from Jeddah, while SpiceJet will operate four services from the UAE to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi. The government is coordinating with airlines, regulators, and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure safe operations and orderly restoration of services. Airlines are adjusting schedules, using alternative routings, and repositioning crew to stabilize operations and assist affected travelers.

Key Points: India Operates Relief Flights from Middle East for Stranded Passengers

  • IndiGo operating 10 flights from Jeddah
  • SpiceJet operating 4 flights from UAE
  • 357 flights cancelled Monday
  • Government coordinating with airlines & MEA
  • Long-haul flights using alternative routes
2 min read

Indian airlines gear up to operate relief flights from Middle East on Tuesday

IndiGo and SpiceJet operate special flights from Jeddah and UAE to repatriate Indians stranded due to Middle East airspace closures and conflict.

"Aircraft and crew repositioning measures are underway to restore operational stability at the earliest - Civil Aviation Ministry"

New Delhi, March 3

Domestic airlines have planned to operate special relief flights from Middle East on Tuesday to facilitate the return of passengers, stranded there due to the growing conflict between the US-Israel and Iran.

IndiGo has planned to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

SpiceJet said it will operate four special flights from the UAE on March 3 to facilitate the return of Indian nationals stranded there following the sudden closure of airspace.

The airline will operate these special services from Fujairah to three Indian cities - Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi - including two flights to Mumbai, to ensure that passengers are able to return home at the earliest.

In addition to these special services, SpiceJet will restore its scheduled flights between Fujairah and Delhi and between Fujairah and Mumbai starting March 4, helping normalise connectivity between the UAE and India.

About 357 flights were cancelled on Monday, though operations began gradually resuming by evening with stranded Indian aircraft returning home.

Amid the evolving Middle East situation, the government remains in continuous coordination with airlines, airport operators, regulatory authorities, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure safe operations, orderly restoration of services and facilitation of affected passengers.

Indian carriers have undertaken calibrated adjustments to their schedules, with long-haul and ultra long-haul operations being progressively resumed through alternative routings that avoid restricted airspace. Aircraft and crew repositioning measures are underway to restore operational stability at the earliest, said the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Also, special arrangements are being made to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers. Airlines are deploying additional capacity where required and coordinating closely with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure safe and orderly passenger movement.

Foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are also undertaking limited operations, subject to operational and airspace considerations. The government said passenger safety remains paramount.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My cousin was stuck in Dubai. The family was so worried. Thank you SpiceJet and IndiGo for these special flights. Hope the fares are kept reasonable for those stranded.
R
Rohit P
Coordination between MEA and Civil Aviation is crucial. Glad to see it happening. But we must also think long-term about reducing our dependence on that region for jobs. Our own economy needs to create more opportunities.
S
Sarah B
Working in Abu Dhabi. The sudden closure was scary. Good to see flights resuming. Hope the alternative routings are safe. Passenger safety is indeed paramount.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the relief effort is good, the article mentions 357 flights cancelled. That's massive disruption. Were the airlines and authorities prepared with any contingency plan for such a common geopolitical flashpoint? We need better preparedness.
K
Karthik V
Good to see Kochi is one of the destinations. So many Malayalis work in the Gulf. These special flights to South Indian cities are very much needed. Well done.

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