The government is preparing to evacuate Indians stranded in the Gulf; IndiGo will operate 10 special flights.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the central government has begun preparations to safely evacuate Indian citizens stranded in the Gulf. The central government is in constant contact with Indian embassies to ensure their safe evacuation. Additionally, state governments across the country have intensified efforts to assist citizens stranded in the Gulf.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation in West Asia. IndiGo plans to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to various Indian cities on March 3. These flights are subject to necessary approvals and current airspace conditions.

IndiGo coordinating with the Indian Consulate

IndiGo is coordinating with the Indian Consulate in Jeddah for passenger convenience. Sources said flights will be operated from Jeddah to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Concerns were expressed about the safety of Indian expatriates living in Gulf countries at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday night.

The CCS has directed all concerned departments to take necessary measures to assist Indian citizens affected by these developments. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Monday that the central government is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region. Discussions have been held with senior officials of the relevant embassies to ensure the safe return of those affected by the war.

Safety of Indians is the top priority

Earlier, we brought back people stranded in Ukraine. The safety of Indians, wherever they are, is our top priority. Officials in Maharashtra said hundreds of people from the state are stranded in Gulf countries due to the airspace closure.

Those stranded in Dubai include Congress leader and Jalna Lok Sabha member Kalyan Kale, who went there on Friday, just a day before the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Nine other tourists from Jalna are also stranded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Indian airlines cancel 300 international flights

Indian airlines cancelled over 300 international flights on Monday as operational disruptions due to the West Asian conflict continued for the third consecutive day. Officials said over 300 flights, including arrivals and departures, were cancelled from the country's four major airports - Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.

Several airspaces in West Asia remained closed on Monday amid escalating conflict between the US, Israel and Iran. IndiGo cancelled over 163 flights on Monday, while the Air India group cancelled over 110. SpiceJet cancelled at least 20 flights, while Akasa Air did not operate eight flights.

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