New Delhi, Mar 03 As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East due to the US–Israel–Iran conflict, Indian airlines are stepping in to help bring stranded passengers back home.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said that airlines have arranged special relief flights on Tuesday to assist those affected by sudden airspace closures in the region.
IndiGo plans to operate 10 special flights from Jeddah to India to clear the backlog of passengers waiting to return. Meanwhile, SpiceJet has announced four special flights from the UAE on March 3.
SpiceJet’s additional services will connect Fujairah with Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi, including two extra flights to Mumbai to ensure more passengers can return quickly. From March 4, the airline will also resume its regular flights between Fujairah and Delhi, and Fujairah and Mumbai, gradually restoring normal connectivity.
On Monday alone, around 357 flights were cancelled as the situation escalated, leaving many travellers stranded. However, by evening, operations began to slowly stabilise, with Indian aircraft returning home.
The government has assured that it is closely coordinating with airlines, airport operators, regulators and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure passenger safety and smooth restoration of services.
Airlines are adjusting flight schedules and using alternative routes to avoid restricted airspace, while also repositioning aircraft and crew to restore stability. Additional capacity is being deployed wherever needed, and coordination with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad is ongoing.
Officials have reiterated that passenger safety remains the top priority as efforts continue to bring stranded travellers home safely.
