Due to increasing tension in West Asia, more than 100 tourists from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are stranded in Bahrain. Salmon Raj, a resident of Hyderabad, said that the sudden sound of sirens and closure of flights at Bahrain International Airport created an atmosphere of fear among the passengers. After check-in was stopped at the airport, passengers had to leave and take shelter in local hotels and apartments. The Government of India and the State Governments have now started efforts to bring back these citizens safely.
Government help and helpline for stranded passengers
The Ministry of External Affairs and state governments have made major preparations to ensure the safety of Indians stranded in Bahrain. The Indian Embassy has issued special instructions for the citizens living there. People in distress can contact for help on these official numbers:
Indian Embassy Bahrain Helpline: +973-39418071
Andhra Pradesh Control Room Number: 9871999430
Telangana Bhavan Delhi: Special control room started to help passengers
Around 9 people from Karnataka are also currently stranded in Bahrain. The central government has assured that if the situation becomes worse, airlift facility will be provided to evacuate the citizens from there. The security of migrants was also discussed in the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Airlines’ new rule on flight tickets and refunds
In view of the tension, Air India Express has currently suspended its flights to Bahrain and other Gulf countries. To ensure that passengers do not suffer financial loss, the airline has relaxed the rules for refund and ticket exchange.
Facility Type Terms and Conditions Free Rescheduling No extra fees for travel till March 5 Full Refund Full refund of canceled flights Airport Update Airport likely to reopen by March 4, 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs has also provided relief to those foreign nationals present in India whose travel has been affected due to this tension. They can contact the concerned FRRO office for extension of their visa. According to the Andhra Pradesh government, the airspace of Gulf countries is expected to open by Wednesday, only after which flight operations will be normal.