The Indian government has launched a massive relief operation to assist citizens stranded in the Gulf region as conflict escalates in West Asia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to prioritize the safety of over 9 million Indian expatriates. Starting March 3, 2026, special flights are being operated from Saudi Arabia to bring back passengers to major Indian hubs including Delhi and Mumbai. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating with private carriers to ensure safe air corridors despite the suspension of many regular flight sectors.
IndiGo Relief Flights and Airline Refund Policies
IndiGo is leading the evacuation effort today by operating 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. These flights are being managed alongside the Consulate General of India to help those in urgent need. To support passengers during this crisis, major airlines have announced significant changes to their booking policies. Many travelers who had their plans disrupted can now access full refunds or change their travel dates without paying extra fees.
| Airline Name | Relief Operations | Refund and Waiver Policy |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 10 flights from Jeddah today | Full refund for bookings made by Feb 28 |
| Akasa Air | Coordinating with Gulf cities | Free rescheduling allowed until March 7 |
| Air India | Monitoring West Asia sectors | One-time waiver on cancellation charges |
| Air India Express | Resumed Muscat services | Waiver available for affected sectors |
Flight Cancellations and Central Monitoring Hub
As of recent reports, over 1,117 international flights to the Gulf have been cancelled over the past three days, including 357 scheduled flights that were stopped yesterday. The government has established the Passenger Assistance Control Room in New Delhi to handle grievances and provide travel updates. State governments in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Punjab have also opened 24/7 helplines for families of those working in the Gulf. Passengers are strictly advised not to travel to airports unless they have a confirmed seat on a relief flight to avoid overcrowding at terminals.
- PACR New Delhi Helplines: 011-24604283 and 011-24632987
- AirSewa Portal: Passengers can report travel issues on this digital platform
- Safety Advice: Only proceed to the airport if explicitly contacted by the airline
- Expat Support: Consulate offices are prioritizing senior citizens and emergency cases
