Middle East crisis: Air India brings back 149 stranded passengers from Dubai amid Israel-Iran tensions
An Air India spokesperson described the service as the first evacuation-related flight operated by an Indian carrier in view of the ongoing regional crisis
PTC Web Desk: Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Air India on Tuesday operated a special flight from Dubai, bringing 149 stranded passengers back to New Delhi.
The airline confirmed that flight AI916D landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 10.58 am IST. The aircraft, bearing registration VT-EDC, carried Indian nationals who had been unable to return due to the volatile situation in the Middle East.
An Air India spokesperson described the service as the first evacuation-related flight operated by an Indian carrier in view of the ongoing regional crisis. The airline said the move was part of its efforts to assist passengers affected by disruptions in air travel.
Earlier in the day, 143 cockpit and cabin crew members of Air India and Air India Express, who were also stranded in Dubai, safely returned to Delhi on flight AI918D.
The airline’s Operations Control Centre and support teams worked continuously to coordinate the flights under challenging circumstances. Air India stated that it remains in constant communication with Dubai Airports and relevant authorities to assess the feasibility of operating additional services, subject to necessary clearances.
With tensions in West Asia impacting aviation schedules, airlines are closely monitoring developments and adjusting operations accordingly.