Flights from Middle East to India Rise Significantly

India Sees Improved Flight Connectivity from Middle East; Over 426,000 Passengers Repatriated​

New Delhi, March 25, 2026 – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that flight operations from Middle Eastern countries to India are gradually improving, with additional unscheduled and scheduled flights operating from the region.

Key updates include:

• UAE: Around 80 flights are expected to operate to India on Wednesday, with airlines running limited unscheduled flights based on operational considerations.
• Saudi Arabia and Oman: Flights continue to operate, with special unscheduled flights by carriers like Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air to facilitate travel for Indian nationals.
• Qatar: With partial reopening of Qatari airspace, Qatar Airways plans around 9 unscheduled flights to India.
• Kuwait and Bahrain: Airspace remains closed; Indian nationals are being redirected through alternate routes.
• Transit via Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Jordan: Indian citizens in Iran are being assisted via Armenia and Azerbaijan, with 1,043 individuals (717 students, 326 other citizens) having safely crossed. Indian nationals in Israel are being facilitated via Jordan.
• Overall repatriation: Since February 28, 426,000 passengers have returned to India on 2,149 flights, including both scheduled and unscheduled flights by Indian and foreign carriers.
• Support for mortal remains: The government facilitated the repatriation of the mortal remains of an Indian national from Riyadh (deceased March 18) and is coordinating with authorities in Oman, Iraq, and UAE for missing and deceased citizens.

The MEA emphasized continued efforts to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals amid regional disruptions, using alternate air routes and unscheduled flights to overcome airspace restrictions.

This reflects a significant improvement in connectivity for Indian citizens stranded in the Middle East, particularly for students and other vulnerable groups.