Pankaj Jain
New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) Air India on Tuesday said it operated a special flight from Dubai to New Delhi, bringing back 149 passengers and eight crew members amid the ongoing situation in West Asia.
In a post on social media platform X, the airline said flight AI916D was the first flight by an Indian carrier to arrive in the national capital on Tuesday under the current circumstances. The airline described the arrival as a “heartwarming moment” as stranded passengers and crew returned home safely.
Air India thanked the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and local authorities in Dubai for their cooperation in facilitating the flight.
The airline said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will continue to extend all possible support to its passengers.
Meanwhile, IndiGo announced the commencement of repatriation flights and a gradual resumption of scheduled operations. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, IndiGo said it has begun repatriation efforts in coordination with Indian authorities and respective governments in West Asia and Persian Gulf region.
Four repatriation flights are currently en route to Jeddah, and one flight is expected to operate to and from Muscat later in the day.
From March 4, the airline said it will offer more scheduled flights and increase seat capacity as part of a phased restoration of services, subject to prevailing airspace conditions and regulatory approvals.
IndiGo plans to resume operations to Muscat, Jeddah and Madinah in West Asia, and to Athens in Europe, totaling 13 return flights comprising 26 sectors.
The airline also said repatriation flights to stations in the UAE are being worked out for March 4, depending on local conditions and necessary approvals.
IndiGo added that safety and security of passengers, crew and aircraft remain its top priority as it continues to monitor the situation and update passengers through its official channels.
