02 April,2026 06:34 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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More than six lakh passengers have returned to India from West Asia since late February, as the government ramps up efforts to ensure the safe movement of citizens amid escalating regional tensions, reported news agency ANI.
The update was shared by Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, during an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital.
Mahajan stated that approximately 6,24,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India since February 28, as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues to impact normal travel routes, reported ANI.
He added that airlines are operating limited non-scheduled flights between India and key West Asian destinations, depending on safety and operational feasibility.
Around 90 flights are expected to operate from the United Arab Emirates to India on Thursday alone. In addition, flights are continuing from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman, facilitating the movement of Indian nationals, reported ANI.
With partial reopening of airspace, Qatar Airways is expected to run 8 to 10 flights to India. However, airspace in Kuwait and Bahrain remains closed, prompting alternative arrangements, reported ANI.
Airlines such as Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air are operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to India, helping stranded passengers from Kuwait and Bahrain reach home.
Due to ongoing airspace restrictions, the government has activated multiple transit routes to assist evacuation efforts. Indian nationals are being routed through Armenia and Azerbaijan from Iran, through Egypt and Jordan from Israel, and via Jordan and Saudi Arabia from Iraq, reported ANI.
Passengers from Kuwait and Bahrain are also being moved through Saudi Arabia to access outbound flights to India.
Providing an update on a recent incident, Mahajan confirmed that an Indian national was injured in Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates after debris from an intercepted drone fell near an industrial area, reported ANI.
The injured individual is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, and the Indian consulate is extending all necessary assistance.
The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia. A dedicated control room remains operational to assist Indian nationals and their families, reported ANI.
Indian missions and diplomatic posts across the region are functioning round the clock, providing regular updates and support to citizens, including students, workers, seafarers and residents.
Officials reiterated that ensuring the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region remains the government's top priority. With the conflict entering its second month, authorities continue to adapt evacuation strategies and flight operations based on the changing security environment, reported ANI.
Further measures may be introduced depending on how the situation develops in the coming days.
(With inputs from ANI)
