Fresh updates: Relief for Indian diaspora as Dubai airports to resume 'limited' flights Monday evening

Iran strikes disrupt Gulf flights and diaspora

The rapidly escalating conflict in West Asia has sent shockwaves through one of the world’s largest overseas Indian communities, with more than nine million Indians living and working across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. As Iran launched a third consecutive day of strikes targeting countries hosting US bases, loud explosions were reported across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Manama and Kuwait City — cities that are home to millions of Indian expatriates.

According to government data, over 100,000 Indians reside in Israel and more than 10,000 in Iran, in addition to thousands of students across the region. The GCC countries, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, host the bulk of the Indian diaspora and are critical to India’s remittance economy. The RBI’s Remittances Survey 2025 noted that of the $118.7 billion remitted to India in 2023-24, the UAE accounted for 19.2 per cent, followed by Saudi Arabia (6.7 per cent), Qatar (4.1 per cent), Kuwait (3.9 per cent) and Oman (2.9 per cent).

In the UAE alone, Indians make up about 35 per cent of the population, with an estimated 43 lakh resident nationals in 2024. Kerala leads in representation, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

What has happened so far

Iran’s missile and drone strikes across the Gulf — in retaliation for US-Israeli air raids — have disrupted civilian infrastructure, including airports, hotels and ports. UAE air defence systems reportedly intercepted several projectiles over Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Bahrain confirmed one fatality after debris from an intercepted missile struck a ship at Salman port, bringing the Gulf’s death toll to five since Saturday.

Major aviation hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha were temporarily shut, leading to over 1,000 flight cancellations and affecting nearly 90,000 passengers daily. Emirates suspended Dubai flights amid regional airspace closures, while hotels were directed to assist stranded tourists and avoid evictions.

The escalating situation has directly impacted Indian travellers. In 2025, the UAE received around 86 lakh Indian visitors, Saudi Arabia 34 lakh and Qatar 11 lakh. However, outbound and return travel has been severely disrupted.

Impact on Indian community

The BAPS Hindu Mandir has temporarily closed to visitors until March 9 as a precautionary measure, though prayers continue inside the temple.

Flights have also been cancelled from India. Dubai-bound services from Jaipur International Airport were suspended, and an IndiGo flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai was cancelled due to airspace restrictions over Muscat, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Karnataka government has stepped in to assist stranded residents. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda urged affected individuals to register on the Centre’s Sarathi Sahay portal or contact helplines 080-22340676 and 080-22253707. So far, 109 people — 100 in Dubai and nine in Bahrain — have sought assistance.

Indian embassy advisories and helplines

Indian embassies across West Asia have issued advisories urging nationals to avoid unnecessary movement and follow local security guidance.

Key 24×7 emergency contacts include:

Israel (Tel Aviv): +972-54-7520711, +972-54-2428378 | cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in

Iran (Tehran): +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102, +989932179359

UAE (Abu Dhabi): Toll-free 800-46342 | WhatsApp +971543090571 | pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): 00-966-11-4884697 | WhatsApp 00-966-542126748 | Toll-free 800 247 1234

Qatar (Doha): 00974-55647502 | cons.doha@mea.gov.in

Bahrain: 00973-39418071

Kuwait: +96565501946

Jordan: 00962-770422276

Iraq (Baghdad): +964 771 651 1185 | +964 7704444899

Syria (Damascus): +963-993385973

Ramallah: +970592916418

With tensions showing little sign of easing, the Indian diaspora — a backbone of both regional economies and India’s remittance inflows — remains watchful, as New Delhi coordinates closely with missions on the ground to ensure safety and preparedness.