Ahmedabad, March 4 (NationPress) A dedicated IndiGo relief flight from Jeddah successfully brought back approximately 200 Indian nationals as airspace restrictions persisted due to the ongoing turmoil in West Asia. The returnees conveyed their heartfelt thanks to the Government of India for orchestrating their safe evacuation.

The flight arrived late Tuesday night at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This operation was part of the government’s concerted efforts to repatriate Indians stranded in Jeddah, with several airlines providing relief flights along that route.

Emotion-filled scenes unfolded at the airport as families reunited following days of uncertainty and fear. Loved ones embraced tightly, some shedding tears, as passengers set foot on Indian soil after enduring distress abroad.

“Returning to India felt like coming home. We are filled with peace and relief now. The government did an outstanding job; we sincerely thank them for arranging our flights back,” remarked one passenger.

“The Embassy offered us significant assistance. We are incredibly grateful for all the support from the government,” added another returnee.

In an interview with IANS, a passenger stated, “The government was immensely helpful. Without their intervention, we would have been unsure about how to return home. They organized a special flight for us, and we were able to return on it.”

“We are back safely. We never anticipated that we could return without incident. The government’s help was invaluable, and we deeply appreciate their efforts,” another visibly emotional passenger expressed.

“I extend my gratitude to PM Modi. He ensured our safe return,” remarked one of the returnees.

Another passenger told IANS, “PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were instrumental in our return. We are overjoyed to be back in India.”

“We were stranded at the airport. The Indian government worked diligently on our behalf,” shared an elderly Hajj pilgrim.

“We felt immense fear. We are profoundly thankful to PM Modi... I love my India,” a woman said.

In the meantime, other airlines, including Air India and Emirates, have also started facilitating the evacuation of Indian citizens from Gulf nations.

On Tuesday, Air India welcomed passengers and crew arriving from Dubai at Indira Gandhi International Airport, marking the first international arrival by an Indian carrier into the national capital since the disruptions commenced.

Dubai Airports confirmed that limited flight operations resumed on the evening of March 2 at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

The widespread disruption and airspace closures followed coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In retaliation, Tehran launched attacks on Gulf nations, labeling them as “legitimate targets,” escalating the regional crisis into renewed military confrontations and prompting extensive flight cancellations across West Asia.