Evacuation flights land in four Indian cities amid Middle East crisis

The Israel–Iran war entered its fourth day on Monday, with tensions continuing to ripple across the Middle East and beyond. In a significant relief development, stranded Indian nationals in the UAE returned home late at night as four evacuation flights landed in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. The repatriation effort came amid escalating instability in the region following the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

As the conflict deepened, protests erupted worldwide, including in several Indian cities. Members of the Shia community staged demonstrations from Kashmir to Kochi, expressing outrage over developments in Iran. In Kashmir, police fired tear gas shells to disperse crowds after protests intensified. The Indian government has since advised all states to remain on alert, particularly over the risk of inflammatory speeches that could disturb public order.

Airlines have stepped in to support evacuation and connectivity efforts. IndiGo announced it will operate 10 special relief flights on March 3 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. The move is aimed at assisting Indian nationals seeking to return home amid the worsening situation.

Meanwhile, flight operations in parts of the Gulf are gradually resuming. Air India Express is set to restart services to Muscat. UAE carriers including Etihad Airways, Emirates and flydubai have resumed select routes, with 15 Etihad flights departing from Abu Dhabi to destinations including Islamabad, Paris, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Cairo and London, signalling cautious restoration of air connectivity amid ongoing tensions.