Ahmedabad, March 5 (NationPress) Over 170 Indian passengers returned to Ahmedabad from Dubai early Thursday as specialized flight operations persisted amidst significant disruptions to international air travel due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in West Asia.

A relief flight from Dubai touched down at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 4:40 A.M., ferrying stranded passengers who had been grappling with cancellations and delays for several days.

The aircraft, designated as flight FZ 8437, was arranged under extraordinary circumstances to aid in the return of travelers impacted by the disruption.

Officials at the airport and airline representatives worked diligently to ensure the safe arrival and efficient handling of passengers at the airport.

This flight successfully transported over 170 passengers, all of whom arrived without incident.

Many passengers recounted the uncertainty they faced in Dubai as international flight schedules were severely affected due to the regional turmoil.

Passenger Vinod Tolani noted the precarious situation in Dubai just before their flight. He stated, “The uncertainty in Dubai last night indicated that no flights would be arriving for three to four days. Most flights had been cancelled at least until March 9. Even visits to temples were halted. Everything there is still closed.”

Another passenger expressed appreciation for the arrangements that facilitated their return to India, stating, “The environment there is very good. The government ensured our return with proper facilities, and we are extremely thankful. There’s no fear now. While there were some challenges during those tense three to four days, everything is fine now.”

A traveler returning from a pilgrimage also shared that conditions in Saudi Arabia remain calm. “The atmosphere is excellent, Mashallah. Alhamdulillah, in Mecca and Medina, it feels like Allah’s blessing... everything is peaceful, and prayers are being conducted smoothly,” the traveler remarked.

These disruptions in flights followed a sharp increase in tensions in the Middle East, following military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which instigated retaliatory measures and amplified security concerns throughout the region.

This situation has led to the closure of airspace and the rerouting of flights across various countries, significantly hampering international aviation operations.

India’s aviation authority has advised airlines to refrain from using the airspace of several West Asian nations, including Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Qatar, due to escalating security risks in the area.

In light of these concerns, several Indian airlines have temporarily halted services to Middle Eastern destinations.

The Ministry of External Affairs has also called upon Indian nationals in the region to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel to conflict-affected areas.

A control room has been set up to assist citizens and monitor the safety of Indians in West Asia, where nearly 10 million Indian nationals reside.