New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): As the two-week ceasefire window in West Asia nears its end on April 22, India has facilitated the travel of more than 1.13 million passengers from the region through continuous flight operations from multiple countries, using alternate routes where necessary.
The details were shared by Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, during an inter-ministerial press briefing in the national capital on Monday.
Mahajan said flights continue to operate from countries in the region where airspace remains open. “Since February 28, around 1,130,000 passengers have traveled from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights based on operational and safety considerations between the UAE and India. Around 110 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to India today,” he said.
He added that flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations across India. With Qatar’s airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 10 to 11 flights to India.
Mahajan noted that while Bahrain’s airspace is open, Gulf Air has announced plans to begin limited flight operations to India. The airline is currently operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India.
He said Iranian airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights. “Our embassy in Tehran continues to facilitate the movement of Indian nationals through Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. So far, 2,423 Indian nationals have moved out of Iran into Armenia and Azerbaijan. This includes 1,091 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen,” he said.
Mahajan also stated that Iraqi airspace is open with limited flight operations to regional destinations that can be used for onward travel to India.
With Kuwaiti airspace closed, Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India.
He further said that Israeli airspace is open, with limited flight operations resumed to regional destinations. India continues to facilitate the movement of its nationals from Israel through Jordan and Egypt.
Emphasizing that India is closely monitoring developments in the Gulf and West Asia, Mahajan said efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of the large Indian community in the region.
He added that a dedicated control room at the Ministry of External Affairs is functioning in close coordination with Indian missions, which are operating round-the-clock helplines to provide assistance and address queries.
Mahajan assured that high priority is being given to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. “Our missions are extending all assistance to them, including coordination with local authorities, providing consular support, and assisting with requests to return to India,” he said.
As the security situation continues to evolve, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed during the briefing about the visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Saudi Arabia, noting that discussions focused on regional issues and strengthening bilateral ties.
With millions of Indian expatriates living in the Gulf and India’s dependence on the region for energy imports, the Ministry of External Affairs said maintaining active engagement with stakeholders, including Israel, Palestine, and Iran, remains critical to safeguarding the country’s strategic and economic interests during this period of geopolitical uncertainty. (ANI)
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