West Asia war: 34 International flights cancelled at Bengaluru airport amid tensions

The cancellations affected several important routes linking Bengaluru with major West Asian cities. Representational Pic/File

As many as 34 international flights were cancelled at Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday due to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, reported the PTI.

Airport officials confirmed that 18 incoming and 16 outgoing flights were cancelled on March 4 because of airspace restrictions in the affected region. The restrictions remained in force until 11.59 pm.

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The cancellations affected several important routes linking Bengaluru with major West Asian cities. These included flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai and Doha, as per the PTI.

Passengers travelling on these sectors were advised to check with their respective airlines for updates.

Help desk set up at T-2

In response to the disruption, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the airport, set up a dedicated help desk at the kerbside of Terminal 2.

Officials said the help desk is providing on-ground support, coordinating transport arrangements, assisting with emergency requirements and addressing passenger queries until airline representatives reach the terminal, as per the PTI.

Single-window support for passengers

Given that several international carriers operate from the airport, the help desk is functioning as a single-window assistance centre. It is guiding passengers to the appropriate ground handling agencies responsible for each airline, the news agency reported.

Additional passenger amenities

To ease inconvenience, the airport authorities have arranged basic facilities at the kerbside, including seating, drinking water, snacks, medical assistance, sanitary pads and mobile charging stations.

A temporary feeding facility has also been set up. Wheelchairs are being provided on request for passengers requiring special assistance.

Airport officials said efforts are ongoing to ensure passenger safety and minimise inconvenience during the period of disruption.

India sets up special control room, here's full list of helpline numbers

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday announced that the Government of India has set up a special control room in response to the current situations in West Asia and the Gulf region.

It said that the control room will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm and it will assist Indian nationals affected by the ongoing crisis.

The move is part of wider efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians living and working in the region.

Here's the full list of helpline numbers -

1800118797 (Toll Free)

+91 11 2301 2113
+91 11 2301 4104
+91 11 2301 7905

Emergency contact numbers of Indian Embassies in the region are:

Bahrain: +973 39418071

Iran: +989128109115 / +989128109102 /+989128109109 / +989932179359

Iraq: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899

Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378

Jordan: +962 770 422 276

Kuwait: + 965 65501946

Lebanon: +961 76860128

Oman: +968 98282270 (Whatsapp) / 80071234 (Toll free)

Qatar: +974 55647502

Ramallah, Palestine: +970 592916418

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): +966 11 4884697 / 800 247 1234 (toll free)

Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093

United Arab Emirates: +971 543090571 (Whatsapp) / 800 46342 (Toll free)

(with PTI inputs)