New Delhi: Scenes of relief and emotion marked the arrival of nearly 200 Indian citizens who returned home from the conflict affected Middle East on a special evacuation flight late Tuesday night. The IndiGo relief service from Jeddah touched down at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, bringing stranded passengers back after days of uncertainty.
The evacuation was arranged as airspace restrictions and flight cancellations continued across parts of West Asia following escalating tensions in the region. Families gathered at the airport to receive their loved ones, with hugs and tears reflecting the anxiety many had endured during the crisis.
Passengers expressed deep appreciation for the swift intervention by the Indian government and diplomatic authorities. Many described the return as a moment of immense comfort after being stranded amid rapidly changing security conditions. Several travellers said they were unsure how they would manage to return without the special arrangements made for their evacuation.
The disruption began after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran in late February, triggering retaliatory actions by Tehran and raising security concerns across Gulf nations. The resulting instability led to widespread airspace closures and cancellations, leaving thousands of travellers in limbo.
While the special IndiGo service brought back evacuees from Jeddah, other airlines also stepped in to assist affected passengers. Air India resumed limited international operations, receiving passengers from Dubai at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, marking the first such arrival by an Indian carrier since the crisis escalated. Dubai Airports also confirmed a partial resumption of flight operations at both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
With coordinated efforts by airlines and authorities, the repatriation process continues as India works to ensure the safe return of its citizens from the affected region.
