In a major relief for thousands of Indian expatriates, limited flight operations from the United Arab Emirates to India have resumed after days of disruption caused by rising tensions in the Middle East. Several passengers from Abu Dhabi and Dubai safely arrived in India as airlines cautiously restarted services under tight monitoring.
The first phase of relief travel began on the evening of March 2, when a small number of flights were allowed to operate from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central–Al Maktoum International Airport. The move came after widespread cancellations and airspace restrictions triggered by the ongoing regional conflict.
One of the key flights from Abu Dhabi landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, bringing back worried passengers who had been stranded for days. Additional flights from Abu Dhabi also reached Mumbai and Bengaluru, marking a gradual restoration of connectivity between the Gulf and India.
Passengers arriving in India described anxious moments during their journey, saying the airspace over parts of the Gulf appeared unusually busy due to heightened military activity.
One returnee said witnessing the situation was frightening and eye-opening. He mentioned seeing missile interceptions in the sky and said the experience gave him a new understanding of the challenges faced in conflict zones.
Another passenger, Shiv, said although there was no visible panic in Abu Dhabi itself, the skies appeared tense with constant aerial activity. He noted that the situation felt unusual compared to normal travel conditions.
Ajay, who returned from Dubai, said his onward flight to the United States was cancelled without initial explanation. After waiting for several hours, passengers were informed that a conflict had broken out in the region. He said airline staff arranged hotel stays for stranded travellers and later helped them board flights to India once limited operations resumed.
Passengers generally reported that while the atmosphere was tense, local authorities in the UAE maintained order and ensured safety. Many expressed relief upon finally reaching India after days of uncertainty.
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The Government of India has said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in constant touch with Indian missions across the Gulf region. Officials stated that ensuring the safe return of Indian nationals remains a top priority.
The civil aviation ministry confirmed that airlines are gradually restoring services depending on airspace conditions. As part of the relief effort, IndiGo announced plans to operate 10 special flights from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to multiple Indian cities.
According to officials, these special flights are expected to connect Jeddah with Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, subject to necessary approvals and safety clearances. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate passenger movement.
Authorities emphasised that the resumption of flights is being handled cautiously because parts of West Asian airspace remain sensitive. Airlines are continuously reviewing routes and schedules based on real-time security assessments.
The recent travel disruption followed US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, which triggered retaliatory drone and missile activity across parts of the Middle East. Several US-linked locations and regional sites were reportedly targeted, leading to heightened alerts and temporary airspace concerns.
These developments caused ripple effects across commercial aviation, particularly in Gulf countries that serve as major transit hubs for Indian travellers. Thousands of passengers faced delays, cancellations, and uncertainty over the past few days.
Officials say the current limited operations are only the first step toward normalisation. More flights are expected to resume gradually if the security situation remains stable.
For now, Indian authorities have advised travellers to stay in touch with airlines, regularly check flight updates, and follow official advisories before planning journeys through the region.
The safe arrival of the first batches of passengers has brought relief to many families in India who were anxiously waiting for their loved ones. However, with the regional situation still evolving, both governments and airlines remain on alert.
As evacuation and relief efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring that every stranded Indian is able to return home safely while maintaining strict attention to passenger safety and airspace security.
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