NEW DELHI / TEHRAN — The Middle East has been plunged into a state of total high alert following a series of devastating military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, leading to a massive disruption in global travel and an urgent safety crisis for the Indian diaspora. As the conflict escalates into a full-scale regional war, Iran has reportedly launched retaliatory strikes against U.S. military installations across various Middle Eastern nations and several Israeli cities. The situation has forced a complete halt in major aviation hubs, leaving thousands of travellers stranded and prompts Indian embassies to issue a wave of emergency directives.
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the impact on India’s flight operations has been severe, with approximately 444 flights affected on Saturday alone due to sudden airspace restrictions. Globally, the number of cancelled flights has surpassed 1,000 as operations at premier hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have effectively ground to a standstill. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently working in close coordination with various airlines to manage the fallout and ensure that passenger safety remains the paramount priority during this period of unprecedented volatility.
In response to the deteriorating security environment, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has released a critical advisory for Indian nationals residing in Iran. Citizens are being urged to exercise maximum caution, stay indoors as much as possible, and strictly avoid unnecessary travel. The embassy has underscored the importance of regularly monitoring local news and staying updated on developments while waiting for further official instructions. To assist those in need, the mission has activated four emergency helplines available 24/7 for immediate support: +98 912 810 9115, +98 912 810 9109, +98 912 810 9102, and +98 993 217 9359.
Similar precautions are being enforced across the region as Indian missions in Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh issue their own sets of guidelines. In Israel, the Indian Embassy has requested that all nationals strictly adhere to the safety protocols issued by the local administration and the Home Front Command. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Indians are advised to avoid crowded public spaces and refrain from all non-essential travel. This regional safety net extends to Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Palestine, where Indian diplomatic missions are maintaining a constant vigil and providing dedicated helpline services to ensure the security of the hundreds of thousands of Indians living in the conflict zone.
