US-Israel attack Iran: IndiGo begins repatriation flights amid Middle East crisis; gradual restoration planned

Lowcost carrier IndiGo announced on Tuesday that in view of the evolving situation in the Middle East and Persian Gulf it has begun repatriation efforts aligned with the relevant authorities in India and the respective governments reported IANSFour such flights are now en route to Jeddah and one is expected to be operated to and from Muscat later in the dayAirline plans phased restoration of flight operationsFrom Wednesday more scheduled flights and seat capacity are expected to be offered IndiGo will be reinstating select flights as part of a carefully planned restoration of its schedule with safety as the topmost priority Operations are expected to be resumed to the following destinations in line with prevailing airspace conditions and necessary approvals Middle East Muscat Jeddah Madinah Europe Athens The total works out to 13 return flights 26 sectors according to an IndiGo statement reported IANSUAE repatriation flights under considerationFor March 4 repatriation flights to stations in the UAE are being worked upon however it will depend on the local situation and required necessary approvals Given the evolving situation this will be confirmed at a later stage the airline carrier said reported IANSFor all other stations IndiGo is closely monitoring the situation and working with the relevant authorities for local slots and permits to progressively restore its operational schedule IndiGo continues to update its social media platforms and website with the latest status Amid this highly volatile situation safety and security of its customers crew and aircraft continue to be of paramount importance to IndiGo the statement addedEmirates Etihad resume limited services in phasesMeanwhile the UAEbased airlines Emirates and Etihad Airways started operating a limited number of flights from the evening of March 2 after Dubai Airports confirmed a partial resumption of operations after the airport was closed due to the outbreak of hostilities between the USIsrael alliance and Iran reported IANSThe Emirates said it will prioritise customers with earlier bookings as it restarts services in phases The airline will contact passengers who have been rebooked onto these limited flights directlyPlease do not go to the airport unless you have been notified Emirates said in a statementAirports reopen partially full operations yet to resumeThe Dubaibased airline said that all other flights remain suspended until further notice reported IANSIt added that it continues to monitor the situation and will adjust its operational schedule accordinglyUpdates will be published on emiratescom and its official social media channelsEtihad said it will conduct some repositioning cargo and repatriation flights in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals reported IANSHowever authorities have not provided a timeline for full restoration of normal operationsDubai Airports said a small number of flights will be permitted to operate from Dubai International DXB and Dubai World Central ndash Al Maktoum International DWC starting Sunday eveningHowever the UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority said Exceptional flights are now operating at UAE airports Do not proceed to the airport until your airline contacts you with confirmed flight details to ensure a smooth process for allWith inputs from IANS