Gulf Travel Eases Slightly As India Steps Up Evacuations

As tensions continue to ripple across West Asia, the story for Indian travellers and workers in the region is slowly shifting—from uncertainty to cautious movement. Air routes are reopening in parts, maritime operations remain under watch, and a steady stream of citizens is making its way back home, even as the broader conflict shows no signs of easing.

Flights Regain Rhythm

Air connectivity between India and key Gulf destinations is beginning to stabilise, albeit unevenly. Around 90 flights were scheduled to operate from the UAE to India on Sunday, offering a crucial lifeline for those looking to return. Services from Saudi Arabia and Oman are also continuing, helping maintain a fragile but functioning travel corridor between the regions.

Qatar, too, has stepped in to ease the pressure. With partial airspace reopening, Qatar Airways is planning to run between nine and ten additional non-scheduled flights to India. These supplementary services are aimed at clearing passenger backlogs and assisting those stranded amid earlier disruptions.

That said, the skies are far from fully open. Airspace closures over Kuwait and Bahrain continue to complicate operations, forcing airlines to rethink routes. Carriers such as Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air have adapted quickly—operating via alternative hubs like Al Qaisumah in Saudi Arabia and Dammam—to keep passengers moving. For many Indian nationals stranded in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, Saudi Arabia has effectively become a transit bridge back home.

Sea Routes Watched

While aviation is gradually finding its footing, the situation at sea remains more delicate. The western Persian Gulf, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, continues to be a zone of strategic concern. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels carrying over 600 Indian seafarers remain stationed in the region, under continuous monitoring.

Authorities have emphasised that all crew members are safe and accounted for. The Directorate General of Shipping is maintaining round-the-clock contact with ship operators, crew, and Indian missions abroad, ensuring that communication lines remain open in an otherwise volatile environment.

So far, over 547 Indian seafarers have been successfully repatriated, including a small number in the last 24 hours alone. The government’s 24/7 control room has been handling a high volume of queries from families and stakeholders, reflecting both concern and the scale of coordination underway.

Despite the geopolitical strain, port operations across India remain unaffected. There have been no reports of congestion or disruption to trade flows, suggesting that while the region is tense, critical logistics are still being carefully managed.

Citizens Return Home

Perhaps the most telling indicator of the situation’s scale is the number of people returning. Since February 28, more than 3.5 lakh passengers have arrived in India from West Asia, facilitated by a mix of scheduled and special flights. The effort, coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs along with Indian missions in the region, has been ongoing and intensive.

Embassies and consulates continue to operate helplines around the clock, assisting students, workers, and short-term travellers. The approach has been both logistical and humanitarian—ensuring not just transport, but also documentation, local coordination, and on-ground support where needed.

There have, however, been casualties. Six Indian nationals have lost their lives during the period of escalation, with one individual still reported missing. Authorities are working with local governments to manage repatriation and provide assistance to affected families.

For now, the situation sits in a state of careful balance. Flights are resuming, ships are being monitored, and people are returning—but all under the shadow of a conflict that continues to evolve. For travellers and the diaspora alike, it’s less about normalcy restored and more about movement regained, one route at a time.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

1. Are flights between India and the Gulf operating normally?
Flights are gradually resuming, especially from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, but some routes are still affected by airspace restrictions.

2. Which airspaces remain closed in West Asia?
Airspace over Kuwait and Bahrain remains closed, leading to rerouted flights and adjusted travel plans.

3. How are stranded Indian nationals returning home?
They are being evacuated through scheduled and special flights, often rerouted via Saudi Arabia where required.

4. What is the status of Indian seafarers in the region?
All Indian seafarers are safe, with over 547 already repatriated and others under constant monitoring in the Persian Gulf.

5. How many people have returned to India so far?
Since February 28, more than 3.5 lakh passengers have returned to India from West Asia amid the ongoing crisis.