New Delhi: The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has thrown air travel into turmoil, leaving thousands of Indian citizens stranded across Gulf countries like the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and even Israel.
As tensions in West Asia intensify, Indian domestic airlines have cancelled a staggering 281 flights as of March 5, with 81 scrubs reported on Thursday alone, disrupting plans for countless passengers.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is on high alert, closely monitoring the volatile situation. To support affected travellers, a dedicated 24×7 Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) has been activated, resolving over 1,461 complaints through coordinated efforts via AirSeva, social media, and helplines. Stranded passengers can reach out on 011-24604283 or 011-24632987 for immediate aid.
In a glimmer of hope, a relief flight from Dubai, FZ 8437, touched down at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 4:40 am on Thursday, ferrying about 170 weary Indians back home. State governments are also pitching in to facilitate safe repatriations.
“The Ministry is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia,” the Civil Aviation Ministry stated in a tweet. “A dedicated PACR (Passenger Assistance and Crisis Response) is operational 24×7 to provide real-time assistance.”
One returning passenger, Vinod Tolani, shared his ordeal: “In the last few days, the situation in Dubai has become such that it felt like no flights would operate for the next three to four days. Most flights up to the 9th were cancelled. It seemed like it might take a long time for the situation to normalise.”
As the conflict rages on, Indian authorities remain committed to bringing citizens home safely, urging patience amid the chaos.