Iran-Israel-US conflict: Limited flights resume; Indian carriers launch special services as states activate helplines

PTC Web Desk: Commercial air travel between parts of West Asia and India saw a cautious restart on Tuesday, even as large sections of regional airspace remained affected by the ongoing Iran-US conflict, now in its fourth day.

While some scheduled and relief services were cleared to operate under tight regulatory and security supervision, disruptions continued to impact several international routes. Shortly after limited operations resumed, three Dubai-bound flights operated by Emirates from Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru were compelled to return to their respective origin airports soon after departure due to fresh airspace restrictions.

One Mumbai–Dubai service, however, managed to complete its journey after executing a mid-air route adjustment. Reports also indicated that multiple Riyadh-bound international flights from various global destinations were turned back amid security alerts and concerns over drone-related threats in the region.

IndiGo announces special Jeddah flights

Amid the uncertainty, Indian airlines moved swiftly to assist stranded passengers. IndiGo announced 10 special flights from Jeddah to India scheduled for March 3, subject to regulatory approvals and airspace conditions.

Clearance has already been granted for four services connecting Jeddah with Mumbai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. The airline clarified that these flights are intended primarily for passengers who had earlier booked IndiGo tickets but were unable to travel due to escalating hostilities.

IndiGo also stated that it is coordinating closely with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to ensure smooth passenger handling and necessary documentation.

Akasa Air to operate select Jeddah services

Akasa Air confirmed that it will operate limited services to and from Jeddah on March 3 and March 4 following a detailed safety assessment.

On March 3, Mumbai–Jeddah–Mumbai services will operate, with the same rotation scheduled for March 4. Additionally, return services between Ahmedabad and Jeddah will run on March 4.

However, the airline has extended the suspension of flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait and Riyadh until March 4. Akasa Air stated that operations remain subject to real-time safety evaluations and evolving regional conditions.

Passengers have been advised to verify flight status before heading to airports and contact the airline’s 24-hour customer support centre for assistance.

SpiceJet launches UAE special flights

SpiceJet also announced special flights from Fujairah in the UAE beginning March 3 to facilitate the return of Indian nationals. The airline will connect Fujairah with Delhi, Mumbai (two flights) and Kochi.

Regular services on the Fujairah–Delhi and Fujairah–Mumbai routes are set to resume from March 4.

SpiceJet chairman and MD Ajay Singh said assisting Indian citizens during the crisis remains the airline’s foremost priority and assured readiness to deploy additional flights if required.

CCS reviews safety of Indian diaspora

The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened to assess the security situation. The panel expressed concern over the safety of the large Indian expatriate population across Gulf countries and directed relevant departments to prepare necessary support mechanisms.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre remains in constant communication with Indian missions abroad and reiterated that the safety of Indian citizens is the government’s highest priority.

Karnataka flags 109 stranded residents

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to the Prime Minister seeking preparedness measures, stronger diplomatic engagement and the creation of an inter-ministerial mechanism to safeguard Kannadigas and other Indians affected by flight suspensions.

The state has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and district-level control rooms. According to officials, 109 residents from Karnataka are stranded, 100 in Dubai and nine in Bahrain.

Andhra advises route via Muscat

In Andhra Pradesh, authorities have suggested that stranded Telugu expatriates consider travelling to Muscat in Oman for onward repatriation to Kochi, as Muscat-Kochi flights have resumed.

The Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) has launched a hotline and alerted coordinators in Gulf countries to assist with temporary accommodation and logistics. Officials estimate that nearly one million Telugu residents live across West Asia, though the exact number currently stranded remains uncertain.

Telangana and Punjab set up control rooms

The Telangana government has established a control room at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi to assist affected residents and their families. Officials are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian embassies in the region.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a round-the-clock helpline for Punjabis facing difficulties abroad and confirmed that the state is in regular contact with the Centre.

Jharkhand seeks dedicated migrant cell

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has written to the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urging the Centre to establish a dedicated migrant support cell to address the crisis and ensure safe evacuation where necessary.

Maharashtra coordinates with Centre

The Maharashtra Government said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is personally monitoring the situation and coordinating with central agencies.

In collaboration with the Indian People’s Forum in Dubai, the state has issued a WhatsApp helpline number ( 97150 365 4357) under the #MahaHelpline initiative for stranded residents and their families.

Students among those stranded

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh confirmed that several residents, including four students from Amethi currently in Iran, remain stranded. Families have urged the Centre to facilitate their safe return once air operations normalize.

Himachal Pradesh Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the state is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and assured that stranded residents would be brought back once commercial flights resume.

Limited relief amid ongoing uncertainty

With lakhs of Indians residing and working across West Asia, the phased restoration of select flight services offers partial relief. However, broader evacuation or full-scale travel normalisation will depend on improvements in the regional security environment and reopening of affected airspace corridors.

Officials indicated that continuous monitoring and coordinated action between airlines, state governments and central agencies remain crucial as the situation evolves.