Iran airspace partially open, more flights coming to India from Gulf

India advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to partially open airspace, while assisting evacuation of 2,445 Indians via land routes. Gulf carriers continue limited flights to India as regional aviation gradually stabilises under safety restrictions

New Delhi: Iran’s airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights, but Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the country, and those already there are urged to leave via the land border, with the embassy’s support, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.

So far, the Indian embassy in Tehran has facilitated the movement of 2,445 Indian nationals out of Iran through land border routes, the statement said. Israel’s airspace is open, and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights to India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected between the UAE and India on Sunday.

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Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India. With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is also operating flights to various destinations in India. The Kuwait airspace is open. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways have resumed limited flight operations from Kuwait to India. Bahrain airspace is also open, and Gulf Air is operating flights from Bahrain to various destinations in India. Besides, Iraq’s airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. Indian missions remain actively engaged with the Indian community, including the various associations, organisations, professional groups, Indian companies and other stakeholders in the region.

The government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. Indian missions are extending all assistance to the Indian crew members on vessels in the region, including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance and facilitating requests to return to India. Since 28 February, around 12,96,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. Indian missions and posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals.

They remain in close contact with the local governments. Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken to support the Indian community, the statement added.