With a ceasefire in effect—albeit fragile—and behind-the-scenes peace discussions facilitated by Pakistan, numerous countries have reopened their airspaces, allowing travel plans to the region to resume.
Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that flights between India and various Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, are currently active. He shared this information during a press briefing in New Delhi on May 11.
Mahajan noted that the flight situation is steadily improving, with more flights being added from the region to numerous destinations across India.
He confirmed that UAE airspace is operational, with Indian and UAE airlines conducting flights to various Indian destinations.
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In addition, the airspaces of Saudi Arabia and Oman remain open, with airlines from India, Saudi Arabia, and Oman transporting passengers to various locations.
Mahajan mentioned that the airspace over Qatar is partially accessible, with carriers like Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Qatar Airways running flights.
Kuwait’s airspace is also operational, with flights conducted by Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways.
Bahrain’s airspace is available, with Air India Express, IndiGo, and Gulf Air carrying out flights in the area.
The MEA official further indicated that Iraqi airspace is accessible but has “limited flight operations to regional destinations which can connect to India.”
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Mahajan also mentioned that the Iranian airspace is partially open, but the Indian government has advised nationals to refrain from traveling to Iran and recommended that those already there return with assistance from the embassy.
To date, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has helped facilitate the exit of 2,549 Indian nationals from Iran via land border routes, Mahajan noted.
The official also remarked that Israeli airspace is open, though with limited flight operations.
