New Delhi: Flight operations from the Middle East to India are steadily improving, with additional flights arriving from the war-affected region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

Approximately 80 flights from the UAE were expected to land in India on Thursday, operating under limited non-scheduled services. Regular flights continue from Saudi Arabia and Oman, while Qatar’s airspace is partially open, accommodating around 8–9 non-scheduled flights.

Special repatriation flights by Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air are operating via Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to facilitate the return of Indian citizens. Travel from Iran is being routed through Armenia and Azerbaijan, while returns from Israel are being coordinated via Jordan. Airspace over Kuwait and Bahrain remains closed, with repatriation from these countries being arranged via Saudi Arabia.

Since February 28, 2026, around 4,50,000 Indian nationals have safely returned from the Gulf and West Asia region. The MEA emphasised that safety, security, and welfare of Indian citizens abroad remain a top priority. A 24x7 control room continues to coordinate with states, union territories, and Indian missions, issuing advisories and facilitating visas, consular services, and logistics for students, seafarers, and stranded nationals.

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Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported normal port operations across India, including in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, with no congestion. Over 674 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated from the Gulf so far, including 39 in the past 24 hours. Currently, 20 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 540 seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf under continuous monitoring by DG Shipping in coordination with ship owners and Indian missions.

The government confirmed uninterrupted maritime trade and assured that the welfare of Indian seafarers continues to be closely monitored. The DG Shipping Control Room has handled 4,228 calls and 8,221 emails since activation, maintaining round-the-clock communication to ensure safety and operational continuity.

IANS