Amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East, concerns about the security of Indians have increased. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 1, 2026 to take immediate steps to evacuate the Punjabis and other Indian citizens stranded there. Badal has said that as soon as the airways open, a special airlift operation should be started as people are stuck there in the ‘war zone’.
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What is the current situation there due to the war?
The situation has become extremely critical after the attacks on Iran by America and Israel. According to reports, in these attacks on February 28 and March 1, there is news of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after which 40 days of mourning has been declared in Iran.
Keeping security in mind, India’s DGCA has advised Indian airlines not to fly over 11 countries including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The central government says that the situation there is in ‘turmoil’, so it is not safe to do airlift immediately, but the government is constantly keeping an eye on it.
What are the rules for flights and stranded passengers?
This tension has had a direct impact on the common travelers and the workers living there. More than 444 international flights are expected to be canceled on March 1. Work at major airports like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha has been badly affected. Companies like Air India and Indigo have stopped their flights.
Refund facility: To passengers whose flights were booked till March 2, airlines are giving full refund or the option to change the date without fees.
Fare increased: The fares have become very expensive on the few routes that are open. One-way fare from Kolkata to Dubai has reached Rs 40,000.
Students and Exams: About 1200 Indian medical students are stranded in Iran. CBSE has postponed the 10th and 12th examinations in the Middle East.
The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indians living there to stay indoors and keep in touch with the embassy.
