Officials indicated that additional flights may be arranged if necessary as the regional situation continues to evolve
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
India has facilitated the return of more than 52,000 citizens from West Asia during the first week of March as geopolitical tensions in the region disrupt aviation routes and regional travel.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the travellers returned on commercial flights between March 1 and March 7 after being stranded due to escalating tensions in the region. The situation intensified after military strikes involving the United States and Israel targeted sites in Iran, raising security concerns across West Asia.
The government said the safety of the more than 10 million Indian nationals living across Gulf countries remains a top priority. The Indian diaspora forms one of the largest expatriate communities in the region and contributes significantly to sectors including construction, healthcare, finance, and technology.
Officials said many of the passengers returning to India had been caught in transit disruptions or were travelling on short-term visits when regional instability triggered widespread flight cancellations and airspace restrictions.
Airspace closures across several parts of West Asia forced airlines to suspend or reroute services earlier in the week. However, the gradual reopening of key corridors has allowed both Indian and foreign carriers to restart flights.
The MEA confirmed that commercial services, including some special non-scheduled flights, are now operating from several regional hubs to assist passengers attempting to return home
Indian embassies and consulates across the Gulf have been coordinating with local authorities and airlines to facilitate the travel of stranded citizens. Officials said the government continues to monitor developments closely and remains prepared to expand travel assistance if the situation worsens.
The crisis has also highlighted India’s broader concerns regarding energy security and supply chains. The Gulf region is a major source of crude oil imports for India, making stability in West Asia critical for the country’s economy.
Authorities have urged travellers in the region to remain in contact with airlines and diplomatic missions for updated travel information.
