India Rolls Out Evacuation Plan, Relief Flights Bring Back Stranded Tourists From Dubai

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 12:41 IST

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating with airlines like IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet to evacuate stranded Indian passengers amid Middle East airspace disruptions.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday said it is closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation in parts of the Middle East and assessing its impact on international flight operations, as tensions in the region disrupt travel plans and leave several Indian tourists stranded abroad. Follow Live Updates Here

On Tuesday morning, special relief flights operated by IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet brought back some of the stranded passengers from Dubai, as authorities moved to implement evacuation measures and stabilise flight operations.

The ministry had earlier said Indian carriers have made calibrated schedule adjustments, with long-haul and ultra-long-haul services gradually resuming through alternative routes that avoid restricted airspace. Aircraft and crew repositioning efforts are underway to restore operational stability at the earliest possible time.

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Authorities have put in place special arrangements to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers. Airlines are deploying additional capacity wherever required and are coordinating closely with foreign aviation authorities as well as Indian missions abroad to ensure safe and orderly travel.

IndiGo has scheduled 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India on March 3, 2026, aimed at bringing back stranded passengers, subject to necessary approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. The airline is working in coordination with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to support passenger facilitation.

Foreign carriers operating between India and destinations in the Gulf region are also conducting limited services, depending on operational feasibility and airspace restrictions.

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The ministry reiterated that passenger safety remains paramount and has advised all airlines to maintain transparent communication with travellers while ensuring compliance with regulatory norms related to refunds, rescheduling and passenger assistance.

Passengers have been advised to verify the latest flight status directly with their respective airlines before heading to the airport and to rely solely on official sources for updates.

The situation was reviewed in a high-level meeting chaired by Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, with Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and senior officials in attendance.

The ministry said it remains in constant coordination with airlines, airport operators, regulatory authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure safe flight operations, orderly restoration of services and support for affected passengers. Further updates will be issued as required.

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