New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) Approximately 90 flights are set to operate on Sunday from the UAE to India, with additional flights still running from Saudi Arabia and Oman, as per a government announcement.

As the airspace begins to partially reopen, Qatar Airways is anticipated to conduct about 9–10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India on the same day, according to the report.

While Kuwait airspace remains closed, Jazeera Airways has commenced operations to multiple destinations in India from Al Qaisumah Airport (AQI) in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, with Bahrain airspace still shut, Gulf Air is proceeding with special non-scheduled flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.

Due to travel restrictions from Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, Indian nationals are being assisted with travel arrangements through Saudi Arabia, the statement highlighted.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways communicated on Sunday that it is actively overseeing shipping operations, port activities, and the safety of Indian seafarers, ensuring the continuity of maritime trade amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In total, over 547 Indian seafarers have been successfully repatriated, with 13 returning in the last 24 hours, the statement noted.

All Indian seafarers in the Middle East are reportedly safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the last day. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers are located in the western Persian Gulf. The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with ship owners and Indian Missions.

The DG Shipping Control Room operates around the clock, having managed 3,730 calls and 7,058 emails to date, which includes 60 calls and 129 emails within the last 24 hours, according to the statement.

Port operations throughout India are reported to be functioning normally with no congestion, and State Maritime Boards have confirmed smooth operations.

The Shipping Ministry maintains close collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure the welfare of seafarers and uninterrupted operations. Indian Missions are actively engaging with the community, providing support and issuing advisories, the Ministry reported.

The MEA also stated that it continues to closely observe developments in the Gulf and West Asia, prioritizing the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community. A dedicated 24x7 control room is operational, ensuring regular coordination with States and UTs.

Indian Missions and Posts across the region are functioning continuously, operating helplines, and maintaining contact with Indian community organizations, while issuing advisories, engaging with local governments, and assisting seafarers, students, stranded nationals, and short-term visitors.

Since February 28, over 350,000 passengers have returned from the region to India. Six Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, and one remains missing. Missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are liaising with the relevant authorities regarding the missing individual and facilitating the timely repatriation of deceased Indian nationals, the statement concluded.