IndiGo to Operate 10 Special Relief Flights from Jeddah to India on March 3
In response to escalating tensions in parts of West Asia and widespread airspace closures, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on Monday that IndiGo will operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India on March 3. This initiative aims to facilitate the return of stranded passengers, as reported by ANI.
Operations Subject to Approvals and Airspace Conditions
The Ministry clarified in an official statement that these operations are subject to required approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating closely with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to assist passengers effectively.
The Ministry elaborated, "IndiGo has planned 10 special relief operations from Jeddah to India on 3 March to facilitate the return of stranded passengers, subject to required approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India at Jeddah for passenger facilitation."
Flight Connections and High-Level Review
According to PTI sources, the flights from Jeddah are expected to connect to major Indian cities including:
- Hyderabad
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Ahmedabad
Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu reviewed the evolving situation in a high-level meeting attended by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and other senior officials. The Ministry is closely monitoring developments in parts of the Middle East and assessing their impact on international flight operations, as reported by newsonair.
Airlines Deploying Additional Capacity and Safety Measures
The Ministry added that airlines are deploying additional capacity where required and coordinating with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure safe and orderly passenger movement. Passengers have been advised to:
- Check the latest flight status directly with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport
- Rely only on official sources for updates
Air India Extends Flight Suspensions
Meanwhile, Air India has extended the temporary suspension of its flights to and from the Middle East until 2359 hrs (IST) on March 3 due to continued airspace closures. In a travel advisory, the airline stated it is closely monitoring the evolving situation while prioritizing the safety and security of passengers and crew.
The airline noted that scheduled operations to destinations in the United States, Canada, Europe and the United Kingdom have commenced. Foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are also undertaking limited operations, subject to operational and airspace considerations, the ministry added.
Government Response and State-Level Initiatives
PTI further reported that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed concern over the safety of the large Indian expatriate community in Gulf nations. The CCS directed departments to take necessary measures to assist affected nationals.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi affirmed that the Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the region and is in touch with Indian missions to facilitate their safe return.
Several state governments have activated helplines and emergency control rooms to assist residents stranded abroad. States reporting affected citizens include:
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Punjab
- Uttar Pradesh
Authorities reiterated that the situation remains dynamic and dependent on airspace availability, with relief measures being scaled up as required.
