The Middle East is grappling with widening Iran and Israel conflict with United States’ involvement. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a “massive” sixth wave of retaliatory strikes in the region after the killing of its Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Air space closure over the Middle East extended for the second day on Sunday, disrupting flight movement across the globe. Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, which serve as superconnectors were severely impacted due to escalating tensions in the region.
As Israel exchanged barrage of missiles on 1 March, Iran targeted US military bases and Israeli assets across the Gulf. Indian Embassy in Dubai issued a safety advisory urging “all Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.”
Emergency contact numbers given below have been issued:
The Airspace in Dubai continues to remain closed. Passengers stuck in Gulf countries must contact their respective airlines for updates. SpiceJet canceled all 2 March flights to and from UAE. IndiGo canceled multiple flights scheduled for Monday due to airspace restriction. Emirates suspended all operations to and from Dubai till 3:00 PM (UAE time) on 2 March. Etihad Airways suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi till 2:00 AM (UAE time) on Monday. Air India canceled multiple international flights scheduled for 1 March.
Airlines contact list is given below:
WhatsApp AI: +91 96670 34444
- Air India 24/7 Customer Care: +91 116 932 9333 / +91 116 932 9999
- Indigo: +91 124-4973838 / 124-6173838
Asserting that the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are continuing to function normally it advised Indian nationals to refrain from believing in “rumors and fake news about the security situation in the country, and follow the official handles of the Embassy/Consulate/UAE government authorities for updates.”
It listed following official handles that Indian nationals must track for latest and precise updates
With over 1,000 flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi canceled and hundreds more rerouted from world’s most critical air corridors, scores of Indian nationals were struck cross the UAE. Dubai — the world’s busiest international travel hub that manages over 1,000 flights a day, was shut after sustaining damage during overnight Iranian retaliatory strikes across Gulf states.
