Air India Evacuates 149 Stranded Passengers from Dubai Amid Middle East Tensions
In a significant development amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, Air India successfully brought back 149 passengers stranded in Dubai to Delhi on Monday. This operation marked the first international arrival by an Indian carrier into the national capital for the day, highlighting efforts to assist travelers affected by regional conflicts.
First Flight Arrival and Official Announcement
The airline announced the successful evacuation through a post on X, stating, "We are happy to welcome our guests and crew from Dubai aboard flight AI916D. This is the first flight by an Indian carrier to arrive in New Delhi today with 149 passengers and 8 operating crew members onboard, amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East." The message emphasized the collaborative efforts involved, adding, "A heartfelt thank you to our teams, the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the local authorities in Dubai for their continued cooperation and for making this homecoming possible." Expressing joy, it concluded, "There’s no better feeling than bringing our guests and crew back home."
Dubai Airports Partially Resume Operations
Operations at Dubai’s airports are set to partially resume after days of disruption triggered by escalating regional tensions. Dubai Airports announced that limited flight operations would restart on the evening of March 2 (Monday), with select departures permitted from both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This move comes after widespread cancellations caused by airspace restrictions across parts of the Middle East.
Background of Airspace Disruptions
The disruption followed US–Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, which prompted Tehran to launch retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting multiple locations across the region. The ongoing escalations led several countries to temporarily close airspace corridors, grounding flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. As airlines gradually reinstate services, a semblance of normalcy is returning to the UAE’s aviation sector. For thousands of Indian travellers awaiting a chance to return home, the phased reopening offers cautious relief.
Advisory for Passengers
Authorities, however, have urged passengers to remain vigilant. Travellers have been advised not to head to DXB or DWC unless they have received direct confirmation from their airline regarding a scheduled departure time, as operations remain limited and subject to change. This precautionary measure aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth operations during the ongoing recovery phase.
