NEW DELHI: Indian airlines have begun restoring limited flight operations to parts of the Middle East in an effort to bring home thousands of passengers stranded amid ongoing regional hostilities.
With millions of South Asians employed across Gulf countries, the disruption had left many travellers awaiting evacuation or return options. Carriers on Tuesday announced a phased resumption of select commercial routes.
IndiGo said it would operate four return services to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, describing the move as part of a gradual plan to “progressively normalise” connectivity between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Air India Express confirmed that flights to and from Muscat, the capital of Oman, would recommence from Tuesday. Budget airline Akasa Air also announced select operations to Jeddah.
However, airlines clarified that services linking India with Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates remain temporarily suspended due to prevailing security concerns.
According to AFP, on the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in contact with several regional leaders, including counterparts in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, expressing appreciation for the support extended to the Indian community during the crisis.
The conflict has taken a toll on South Asian nationals in the region. Reports indicate that at least one Nepali citizen was killed in Abu Dhabi, while two Bangladeshis lost their lives in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Indian media also cited the death of an Indian national aboard a vessel off the coast of Oman.
Earlier this week, Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying India’s concerns over the unfolding situation and underscoring the importance of protecting civilian lives.
Authorities said further decisions on flight resumptions would depend on evolving security assessments.
