New Delhi — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said over 13.19 lakh passengers (about 1.32 million) have traveled from the Gulf and wider West Asia region to India since February 28, as authorities continue to monitor the security situation and assist Indian nationals. Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R. Mahajan told an inter‑ministerial briefing that the MEA is closely tracking developments and coordinating with state and union territory governments to protect the welfare of Indians in the region.
Embassies and consulates have strengthened support systems, operating round‑the‑clock helplines and a dedicated special control room at the MEA to respond to queries from nationals and their families. Missions are regularly updating advisories covering local rules, flight and travel status, consular services and welfare measures, and are engaging with Indian community associations, professional groups and companies to address concerns.
The MEA said welfare of Indian seafarers is a high priority; missions are coordinating with local authorities, providing consular assistance and helping seafarers seeking return to India.
Flight operations are gradually improving. Since February 28, roughly 13.19 lakh passengers have traveled from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited commercial services based on operational and safety conditions. The MEA said around 105 flights from the UAE to India were expected on the day of the briefing, and flights are also operating from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to various Indian destinations.
Country‑wise airspace and operations update provided by the MEA:
– Qatar: airspace partially open. Qatar Airways is operating to several Indian destinations; Air India and IndiGo plan to resume flights from Qatar soon.
– Kuwait: airspace open; Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways have resumed limited services to India.
– Bahrain: airspace open; Gulf Air is operating flights to Indian destinations.
– Iraq: airspace open with limited operations, which can be used for onward travel to India.
– Iran: airspace partially open for cargo and charter flights. The MEA has advised Indians not to travel to Iran and urged those there to leave via land borders with embassy support; the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated movement of 2,461 nationals out of Iran via land routes so far.
– Israel: airspace open with limited flights resumed that can be used for onward travel to India.
The MEA reiterated that missions remain actively engaged with the resident Indian community and local authorities to ensure timely assistance and safe return where needed.
