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India-Middle East Flights Improve as 2.6 Lakh Passengers Return Home

Flight connectivity between India and the Middle East is showing gradual improvement, with over 70 flights daily from the UAE and new services announced from Qatar. While Kuwait's airspace remains closed, transit through Saudi Arabia is being facilitated for nationals in restricted countries. The Indian government has assisted in relocating students in Iran and operates a 24/7 control room, with over 2.6 lakh passengers having returned since late February. A decline in helpline queries suggests many urgent issues for stranded nationals are being resolved.

Key Points: India-Middle East Flight Operations Gradually Improving

  • 70+ daily UAE-India flights
  • Qatar airspace partially open with new services
  • Kuwait airspace remains closed
  • 2.6 lakh passengers returned since Feb 28
2 min read

More flights being operated on India-Middle East routes

Over 70 flights operate from UAE to India daily. Qatar airspace partially opens, while Kuwait remains closed. 2.6 lakh passengers have returned since Feb 28.

"Around 2,60,000 passengers have returned from the region to India. - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, March 18

Flight operations are gradually improving with additional services being introduced between India and the Middle East region, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.

In the UAE, around 70 flights operated on March 17 and about 75 flights are expected on Wednesday to various destinations in India. Over 50 flights have been operating daily since 5 March 2026, indicating improved connectivity.

Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India. The Qatar airspace remains partially open, with 5 flights operated on Tuesday and services to nine Indian destinations announced from Wednesday.

However, the Kuwait airspace has remained closed since February 28. Special non-scheduled flights by Jazeera Airways are expected from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia.

For Indian nationals in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, where airspace remains restricted, transit through Saudi Arabia continues to be facilitated.

In Iran, Indian students from Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz have been relocated to safer locations, with all necessary assistance being provided by the Embassy. Since February 28, around 2,60,000 passengers have returned from the region to India. The Embassy of India in Tehran continues to assist Indian students in Iran, including those seeking to cross land borders into Azerbaijan, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Indian nationals are advised to follow Embassy advisories to facilitate smooth land-border crossings into Armenia and Azerbaijan.

A dedicated MEA control room remains operational to assist Indian nationals and their families, and coordination continues with state governments and Union Territories.

Indian Missions and Posts across the region are functioning round the clock, maintaining contact with community associations and organisations and issuing updated advisories. A decline in helpline queries indicates that many urgent issues of stranded nationals have been addressed.

The government emphasised that it remains alert and is maintaining close coordination among concerned Ministries, agencies, and State/UT Governments, with necessary measures being taken to safeguard key sectors and national interests.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see connectivity improving, but what about the airfares? My brother in Dubai says tickets are still 3-4 times the normal price. Hope the authorities look into this price gouging by airlines.
R
Rohit P
The evacuation of 2.6 lakh people is no small feat. Our embassies are working round the clock. Salute to the MEA and all the officials involved. Stay safe everyone.
S
Sarah B
I'm an NRI in Oman, and the communication from the Indian mission here has been very clear and helpful. The advisories for land borders are crucial. Thank you for the support.
V
Vikram M
While the efforts are good, the article mentions Kuwait airspace is still closed since Feb 28. That's over two weeks! What is being done specifically for our people stuck there? We need faster solutions.
K
Kavya N
Relieved to hear about the students in Iran being moved to safer locations. As a parent, my heart goes out to all families with children studying abroad in these uncertain times. 🙏

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