Indian airlines have initiated limited commercial flights to parts of the Middle East to repatriate thousands of citizens stranded by escalating regional conflict. The move comes as India’s government maintains diplomatic engagement with regional leaders and reports emerge of South Asian nationals killed in allied strikes.
IndiGo announced four return flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, describing the operation as part of efforts to “progressively normalise” services. Air India Express resumed flights to and from Muscat, Oman, from Tuesday. Budget carrier Akasa Air also confirmed select services to Jeddah. However, flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (beyond Jeddah), and the United Arab Emirates remain suspended, airlines stated.
The efforts target a significant diaspora: millions of South Asians live and work across the Gulf states, forming a crucial labour force. Their safety has become a pressing concern amid the broadening conflict, referenced in local reports as the “US-Israel-Iran war.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held telephone calls with several Middle Eastern leaders, including those of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, expressing gratitude for their support of the Indian community. Separately, Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he “conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority.”
The conflict has already claimed lives among South Asian nationals. Indian media reported one citizen killed on a vessel off Oman. At least one Nepali national died in Abu Dhabi, and two Bangladeshis were killed in Bahrain and the UAE, according to their respective governments.
The resumption of select flights represents a cautious step in a volatile environment. While services to Oman and Saudi Arabia are restarting, major hubs like the UAE and Qatar remain inaccessible, leaving many stranded. The Indian government’s diplomatic outreach underscores the scale of the diaspora and the operational challenges of evacuation during active hostilities.
For the thousands of workers dependent on Gulf economies, the limited air connectivity offers a fragile lifeline. The situation remains fluid, with flight operations contingent on security assessments and bilateral agreements. The primary focus for Indian authorities continues to be the safe return of citizens, even as the wider conflict poses ongoing risks to civilian populations across the region.
