Ahmedabad (IANS): An IndiGo special relief flight evacuated approximately 200 Indian citizens from Jeddah as airspace restrictions persist due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. Upon arrival, the returnees thanked the Government of India for securing their safe passage home.
The flight touched down late Tuesday night at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. This mission forms part of a broader repatriation effort where multiple airlines are deploying relief services to rescue stranded Indians.
Emotional Reunions at Ahmedabad Airport
Families greeted one another with tears and hugs, ending days of intense anxiety. As passengers stepped onto Indian soil, the fear and disruption they experienced abroad gave way to relief.
The returnees shared their gratitude:
- A sense of peace: “We feel like we have truly returned to our homeland,” one passenger noted. “The government did a great thing by arranging these flights.”
- Embassy Support: “The Embassy helped us immensely. We are thankful for the government’s support,” another added.
- Direct Praise: Many passengers specifically thanked PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for ensuring their safety, while an elderly Hajj pilgrim highlighted the hard work of government officials who assisted those stuck at the airport.
Broader Evacuation Efforts
Other carriers, including Air India and Emirates, have also started evacuating Indian passengers from the Gulf.
- Air India: On Tuesday, the airline brought passengers and crew from Dubai to Delhi, marking the first international arrival by an Indian carrier since the crisis began.
- Dubai Operations: Dubai Airports confirmed that limited flight operations resumed on the evening of March 2.
Context of the Crisis
The regional crisis escalated following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran launched attacks on Gulf nations, labeling them “legitimate targets.” This military confrontation triggered widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations across the region.
