Iran-US-Israel war: India plans 58 flights on 4 March as airspace disruptions continue, says MoCA
Amid the West Asia conflict, MoCA said Indian airlines operated 24 flights Tuesday and plan 58 on Wednesday, as airspace disruptions continue. Over 1,600 flights have been cancelled. The government is coordinating with airlines and foreign officials to assist stranded Indians as conflict escalates.
Iran-US-Israel war: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Tuesday said Indian carriers operated 24 flights across West Asia amid the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict. The ministry added that the airlines plan to operate 58 flights on Wednesday.
According to an operational update, IndiGo will run at least 30 of the planned services, while Air India and Air India Express will together operate 23.
In a statement released today, MoCA said: “Indian carriers have undertaken calibrated adjustments to their schedules, with long-haul and ultra-long-haul operations being progressively resumed through alternative routings that avoid restricted airspace.”
The development comes days after the United States and Israel launched strikes at Iran and targeted its key military and naval forces. On 28 February, at least 47 Iranian leaders were reported dead, including the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death has further worsened the situation, as Tehran vowed to avenge his death.
MoCA continues to monitor the situation
The Ministry added that it continues to monitor the evolving airspace situation in parts of West Asia and its impact on international flight operations. As of 3 March, a total of 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign airlines were reported cancelled.
MoCA said the government is ensuring special arrangements to facilitate the movement of all those stranded in parts of West Asia. It added that airlines are deploying additional capacity wherever required and are also coordinating with foreign aviation officials, along with Indian missions abroad, to ensure safe passenger movement.
PM Modi speaks to Gulf leaders, voices concerns for Indians in West Asia
Over the last few days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with several leaders in West Asia and expressed concerns regarding the safety and welfare of Indians stuck in the region. Modi also condemned the attack on West Asian countries, which has plunged the region into a wider military confrontation. On Wednesday, Modi held telephonic conversations with the Sultan of Oman and the Crown Prince of Kuwait. Previously, he spoke with the King of Bahrain, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Jordan's King Abdullah II.
Stranded Indians seek Centre's help
According to news agency ANI, several tourists from Telangana, Hyderabad, and Andhra Pradesh have been stuck in Bahrain and have now sought the Central government's help in returning home, as tensions escalate. The conflict has disrupted the aviation sector, with some of the world's largest airlines, including Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, forced to suspend or cancel flights.
On Tuesday, Air India operated the first Indian carrier flight from Dubai to Delhi and brought back 149 stranded passengers.