MEA Advises Indians to Avoid Iran Travel, Facilitates Evacuations Amid Partial Airspace Openings

New Delhi, April 2026: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Iran, even as the country’s airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights. The government has also urged Indians currently in Iran to leave the country through land border routes, with assistance from the Indian Embassy in Tehran.

According to the MEA, the embassy has so far facilitated the safe movement of 2,445 Indian nationals out of Iran via land borders. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are extending all possible support to ensure the safety and evacuation of Indian citizens.

Meanwhile, regional connectivity is gradually improving. Israel has reopened its airspace, with limited flight operations resuming to nearby destinations, allowing onward travel to India. In the United Arab Emirates, airlines are operating a restricted number of commercial flights to India based on safety and operational considerations, with around 110 flights scheduled between the two countries on Sunday alone.

Flight services from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India are continuing from multiple airports. In Qatar, where airspace is partially open, Qatar Airways has resumed services to several Indian destinations.

Similarly, Kuwait has reopened its airspace, with Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways operating limited flights to India. Bahrain is also maintaining connectivity, with Gulf Air running services to various Indian cities. Additionally, Iraq has partially reopened its airspace, enabling limited regional flights that can be used for onward travel.

The MEA said Indian missions across the region remain actively engaged with the diaspora, including community associations, professional groups, and Indian companies. Special attention is also being given to the welfare of Indian seafarers, with missions coordinating with local authorities to provide consular assistance and facilitate their return to India when required.

Since February 28, approximately 12.96 lakh passengers have travelled from the region back to India, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain connectivity and ensure safe passage for citizens.

Indian embassies and consulates continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are in constant touch with local governments. The MEA emphasised that updated advisories are being issued regularly, keeping citizens informed about travel guidelines, flight operations, and support measures available to the Indian community in the region.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)