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Over 5.7 Lakh Indians Evacuated from West Asia Amid Airspace Closures

Over 572,000 passengers have returned to India from the West Asia region since February 28, with the government facilitating travel through alternate routes due to airspace closures in Iran, Israel, and Iraq. While Kuwait and Bahrain airspaces remain closed, 8-10 non-scheduled flights are expected from Qatar, and operations continue from Oman and Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of External Affairs and DG Shipping are actively monitoring the situation, confirming the safety of all Indian seafarers in the region and the smooth functioning of Indian ports. Repatriation efforts have successfully brought home over 959 Indian seafarers so far.

Key Points: 5.72 Lakh Passengers Return to India from West Asia

  • 5.72 lakh passengers returned
  • Qatar airspace partially open
  • Flights rerouted via Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan
  • All Indian seafarers reported safe
2 min read

Over 5.72 lakh passengers return to India from West Asia region since February 28

Over 572,000 passengers have returned to India from the West Asia region since Feb 28. Flights operate via alternate routes as some airspaces remain closed.

"In view of the airspace closure in Iran, travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated through Armenia and Azerbaijan. - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, March 31

Around 5,72,000 passengers have returned from the West Asia region to India and with the Qatar airspace partially open, around 8-10 non-scheduled commercial flights are expected to operate to the country on Tuesday, the government said.

In the UAE, around 85 flights are expected to operate across the day. Limited non-scheduled flights continue based on operational and safety considerations. Flights continue to operate from Oman and Saudi Arabia to India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Kuwait and Bahrain airspaces remain closed. Special non-scheduled commercial flights are operating from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India.

"In view of the airspace closure in Iran, travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated through Armenia and Azerbaijan. In view of airspace restrictions in Israel, travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated via Egypt and Jordan," said the ministry.

In view of the airspace closure in Iraq, travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated through Jordan and Saudi Arabia, it added.

Regular contact is being maintained with the Indian community in the region, with necessary assistance being extended and advisories issued for their safety and well-being.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels was reported in the past 24 hours.

According to the government, 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region and DG Shipping, in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions, is actively monitoring the situation.

DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 959 Indian seafarers so far, including 9 in the last 24 hours. Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion, with the state maritime boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry having confirmed smooth functioning.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
My cousin was stuck in Dammam and got back on one of these special flights. The process was chaotic at the airport but the Indian embassy staff were very helpful. Glad he's home safe now.
A
Aman W
Good to hear our seafarers are safe. So many Indian lives depend on jobs in the Gulf. The government must keep this momentum and ensure every single citizen who wants to return can do so without excessive cost.
S
Sarah B
While the effort is commendable, the article mentions "non-scheduled commercial flights." I hope the fares are being regulated. In times of crisis, airlines shouldn't be allowed to charge exorbitant prices from desperate people.
V
Vikram M
The logistical planning to route people through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan... it's impressive. Shows our diplomatic channels are working. Hope the situation stabilises soon for those who have to stay back for their livelihoods.
N
Nisha Z
Heartening to see all state maritime boards confirming smooth port operations. Our economy can't afford another supply chain shock. Praying for peace in the region so our people can work and live without fear.

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