Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, March 8: As the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran entered its ninth day, the government of India has issued fresh advisories for Indian nationals living in or travelling through the UAE and other Gulf countries.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, particularly focusing on the safety and welfare of Indian nationals who may be stranded during transit or on short visits.
According to the MEA, more than 50,000 Indians returned safely to India from the Gulf region between March 1 and March 7, with 32,107 passengers travelling on Indian carriers. Additional flights are being arranged to facilitate the return of more travellers in the coming days.
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The government has also set up a special control room to respond to queries and assist affected individuals and their families.
Full details of helplines and assistance are available on the Ministry of External Affairs website: https://www.mea.gov.in/pressreleases.htm?dtl/40846/Special_Control_Room_in_MEA
(https://www.mea.gov.in/pressreleases.htm?dtl/40846/Special_Control_Room_in_MEA)
Indian nationals have been advised to remain in contact with the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate for updates and assistance.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in the UAE to strictly follow local authority guidelines.
The embassy warned against unauthorised filming of incident sites, restricted areas or inside airports, stating that UAE authorities have cautioned that strict action will be taken against those violating the rules.
Indians in the UAE have been advised to immediately move to a safe place when warning alerts are issued and remain there until authorities declare it safe. They have also been asked to avoid taking photographs or recording videos of incident locations, including damage caused by projectiles or debris, and not to share such images on social media.
The advisory further urged residents to report any suspicious objects or shrapnel to the authorities and avoid touching them. Filming inside airports during arrival or departure has also been discouraged.
Following the partial reopening of airspace in the region, several airlines have resumed limited flight operations to help stranded passengers.
Air India and Air India Express continue to operate scheduled flights to Jeddah and Muscat, where airspace has been assessed as safe. Additional special flights are also operating from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Muscat to India.
Air India flights to Europe and North America are operating via alternative routes, with some flights making technical stops in Rome or Vienna due to longer flight paths.
However, Air India Express flights to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait and Riyadh remain cancelled until March 13, while Air India services to Dammam, Doha and Riyadh are suspended until March 10.
Affected passengers may rebook their tickets without additional charges or request a full refund through the airline websites or helplines. Air India passengers can contact airindia.com or call +91 11 6932 9333 or +91 11 6932 9999. Air India Express passengers can use the AI-powered digital assistant Tia on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345.
Meanwhile, IndiGo has resumed flights to several European destinations, while services to eight Middle East cities continue as scheduled.
Passengers have been advised to check their flight status with airlines before leaving for the airport, as schedules may change depending on the security situation in the region.