New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress): Flight services from the Middle East to India are on the rise as more flights are scheduled from the conflict-affected region. Approximately 80 flights were anticipated to land from various airports in the UAE on Thursday, as airlines continue to operate a limited number of non-scheduled flights.

Flights from Saudi Arabia and Oman are also ongoing, while Qatar's airspace is partially accessible, with around 8–9 non-scheduled flights expected on Thursday, as per a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Special flights operated by Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air are connecting Dammam (Saudi Arabia) with India. Indian citizens traveling from Iran are being assisted via Armenia and Azerbaijan, while those returning from Israel can do so through Jordan, according to the statement.

Currently, the airspace of Kuwait and Bahrain is closed, necessitating the return of Indian nationals through Saudi Arabia.

Since February 28, about 450,000 passengers have made their way back to India.

The Ministry of External Affairs is actively monitoring the situation in the Gulf and West Asia, prioritizing the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community. A 24x7 control room is operational for regular coordination with states and Union Territories.

Indian missions are functioning around the clock, providing advisories and maintaining communication with community organizations and local authorities. Assistance is being extended to seafarers, students, stranded Indian nationals, and short-term visitors regarding visas, consular services, and logistics.

Additionally, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is closely observing shipping movements, port operations, and the safety of Indian seafarers while ensuring the continuity of maritime trade.

So far, the Directorate General of Shipping has successfully facilitated the safe repatriation of over 674 Indian seafarers, including 39 in the last 24 hours. All Indian seafarers in the region are reported safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels occurring in the past day.

Currently, 20 Indian-flagged vessels with 540 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf. The DG Shipping, in collaboration with ship owners, RPSL agencies, and Indian missions, is actively monitoring the situation. The DG Shipping Control Room operates 24x7, having received 4,228 calls and 8,221 emails since its activation, including 120 calls and 312 emails in the last 24 hours.

Port operations across India are running smoothly without congestion, as confirmed by the State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.

The Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure the welfare of seafarers and uninterrupted operational activities.