Indian Diplomatic Missions In Gulf Intensify Support For Passengers Stranded By Airspace Closures
Indian diplomatic missions in the Gulf region have stepped up assistance to stranded passengers after widespread flight disruptions triggered by temporary airspace closures in parts of West Asia.
The Embassy of India in Kuwait remains fully engaged in assisting Indian nationals affected by the disruption.
Embassy officials are in regular contact with stranded passengers and are closely liaising with Kuwaiti authorities, the management of the respective hotels and airlines.
Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways announced that all its scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 2 pm UAE time on Wednesday, 4 March.
Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict safety approvals.
Guests holding tickets issued on or before 28 February for travel up to 7 March may rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights up to 18 March.
The Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia said IndiGo will operate special flights to India from Jeddah to facilitate stranded passengers.
Akasa Air will operate select flights to and from Jeddah today and tomorrow following a comprehensive safety review.
The airline announced Mumbai to Jeddah and Ahmedabad to Jeddah services on specified dates, whilst clarifying that operations are subject to prevailing conditions.
Akasa Air's flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait and Riyadh will remain suspended until 4 March.
Budget carrier SpiceJet reported several flight cancellations from the UAE due to the airspace closure.
Airlines have offered refunds for affected passengers whilst urging travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are seeing flight suspensions, whilst Doha and Bahrain are also experiencing disruptions, with Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the UAE among the nations that announced at least partial closures of their skies.
Authorities and airlines continue to monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf region, with safety assessments guiding the gradual resumption of flight operations across the region.