Government Collaborates with Airlines to Aid Stranded Passengers Amid Middle East Turmoil
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New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) In light of the shifting circumstances in the Middle East, the government announced on Monday that it is actively collaborating with airlines, airport management, regulatory bodies, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure secure operations, a systematic return to services, and support for impacted passengers.
This matter was discussed in a high-level meeting led by Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, with the participation of Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and other senior officials.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is diligently monitoring the changing airspace situation in specific areas of the Middle East and its repercussions on international flight operations.
“Indian airlines are implementing carefully considered modifications to their flight schedules, with a gradual resumption of long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights through alternative routes that bypass restricted airspace. Measures for repositioning aircraft and crew are being initiated to restore operational normalcy at the earliest opportunity,” stated the Civil Aviation Ministry.
Additionally, special provisions are being put in place to assist stranded passengers.
Airlines are adding extra capacity as needed and are closely working with international aviation authorities and Indian missions overseas to guarantee safe and organized passenger transit.
IndiGo has organized 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India on March 3 to help stranded passengers return, pending necessary approvals and current airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate passenger assistance.
“Foreign airlines operating between India and the Gulf region are also conducting limited operations, depending on operational and airspace factors,” the ministry added.
The government emphasized that passenger safety is of utmost importance.
All airlines have been instructed to maintain open communication with passengers and to comply with regulatory guidelines regarding refunds, rescheduling, and passenger aid.
“Passengers should verify the latest flight details directly with their airlines before heading to the airport and should rely solely on official channels for updates,” the ministry advised.