New Delhi, Mar 3: In view of the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, Indian domestic airlines have announced plans to operate special relief flights from the Middle East to ensure the safe return of stranded passengers.

Airline officials said preparations are underway to coordinate with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate evacuation.

The initiative comes as thousands of Indian nationals, including migrant workers and students, remain in conflict‑affected regions.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, IndiGo has planned to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India while SpiceJet will operate four special flights from the UAE today to facilitate the return of Indian nationals stranded there following the sudden closure of airspace.

The airline will operate these special services from Fujairah to three Indian cities - Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi - including two flights to Mumbai, to ensure that passengers are able to return home at the earliest. LIVE UPDATES HERE

In addition to these special services, SpiceJet will restore its scheduled flights between Fujairah and Delhi and between Fujairah and Mumbai starting March 4, helping normalise connectivity between the UAE and India.

On Monday night, a plane from Abu Dhabi carrying passengers who were stuck due to the Middle East tensions landed in New Delhi.

Also read: Odias Stranded in West Asia War, Families Plead for Urgent Evacuation

The proposed relief flights will prioritise vulnerable passengers and those urgently seeking to return home. Airlines are expected to release detailed schedules and booking procedures once clearances are finalised.

The announcement follows heightened government vigilance, with helplines and nodal officers already activated to assist Indian citizens abroad. The relief flights are seen as a crucial step in safeguarding lives and ensuring smooth repatriation during the ongoing crisis.