About 1.1 Million Have Returned To India From Middle East Since February

NEW DELHI-Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, around 1.097 million passengers have returned to India from the region since February 28 the government said on April 19.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it is working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure the safety of seafarers and continuity of shipping operations.

On the aviation front, flight operations continue from countries where airspace remains open, although services are being managed on the basis of safety and operational considerations.

In the United Arab Emirates, around 110 flights were expected to operate between the UAE and India including limited non-scheduled commercial services.

Flights are also continuing from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman, while Qatar Airways was likely to operate 10 to 11 flights to India following the partial reopening of Qatari airspace.

Iran’s airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights, and the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated the evacuation and movement of 2,378 Indian nationals via Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India.

This includes more than 1,000 Indian students and several hundred fishermen. (IANS)