A special SpiceJet flight touched down safely at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi on Friday, March 6, 2026. The flight operated from Fujairah in the UAE to bring back Indian nationals who were stranded due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. Among the passengers were 50 award winners and several journalists who had traveled to attend an event but faced severe travel disruptions due to airspace closures.
Why were the passengers stranded in UAE?
The group of passengers had originally traveled to the United Arab Emirates to attend the Vijay Ratna award function which took place on February 28, 2026. Their return was delayed because of the rising geopolitical tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which forced countries to close or restrict their airspace. Reports indicate that over 25,000 flight cancellations occurred in the region between February 28 and March 5, leaving thousands of travelers with limited options.
Airline Relief Measures and Government Support
To assist Indian nationals during this crisis, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has activated a Passenger Assistance Control Room and is monitoring airfares to stop predatory pricing. Airlines have also stepped up with specific relief measures for affected travelers:
- Air India: Offering full refunds or free rescheduling for confirmed tickets booked on or before Feb 28 for travel up to March 10, 2026.
- SpiceJet: Operating multiple special flights from Fujairah to New Delhi and other cities to evacuate stranded passengers.
- Support on Ground: Arriving passengers mentioned that the UAE government provided hotel support while they waited for their flights to resume.
