The Maharashtra government has introduced an emergency WhatsApp helpline for state residents stranded in the Middle East due to ongoing conflict in the region, reported the PTI.
Officials said several hundred people from Maharashtra are currently unable to return home because of widespread airspace closures. However, all are reported to be safe.
The Chief Minister’s Office said that Devendra Fadnavis is personally overseeing developments and remains in constant contact with various agencies.
He is also coordinating closely with the Central government, which is extending assistance. State minister Girish Mahajan has been assigned to manage coordination efforts.
In collaboration with Indian People`s Forum in Dubai, the state government has issued a WhatsApp helpline number: +971 50 365 4357. Stranded residents requiring help have been asked to get in touch through the number.
Officials added that data is being collected from districts across Maharashtra to assess the total number of affected citizens.
आखाती देशांमध्ये निर्माण झालेल्या युद्ध परिस्थितीमुळे तेथे अडकलेल्या महाराष्ट्रातील विविध नागरिकांच्या संपर्कात राज्य सरकार आहे. मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस हे स्वतः सातत्याने विविध यंत्रणांशी संपर्कात असून ते केंद्र सरकारसोबत सुद्धा सातत्याने संपर्क ठेवून आहेत. राज्याचे मंत्री…
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) March 2, 2026
Airspace closures cause disruption
Many airspaces across West Asia have been shut following the escalation involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The closures have led to major flight disruptions, leaving passengers stranded in several countries.
US President Donald Trump has said that military operations against Iran would continue as long as necessary.
MP among those stranded
Among those currently stranded in Dubai is Congress MP Kalyan Kale, who represents Jalna in the Lok Sabha. He had travelled to Dubai shortly before the escalation. His brother, Jagannath Kale, confirmed that he remains safe.
Airline announce special flights
Meanwhile, IndiGo, Akasa Air have announced that it will operate special flight and Air India issued fresh travel advisory for passengers as tensions after the US-Israel attack on Iran continue to disrupt air travel across parts of the Middle East and several airspaces remain closed, affecting flights to and from the region.
IndiGo said that it will operate four dedicated flights from Jeddah on March 3, 2026 as part of efforts to gradually restore operations between Saudi Arabia and India.
The special flights will operate to Mumbai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. The flights are intended for passengers who were already booked but were unable to travel due to the current situation, the official statement posted on IndiGo`s X handle stated.
The airline, in an official statement said that the affected customers should not go to the airport unless they have been notified.
IndiGo will contact impacted passengers directly with further details.
Customers can seek assistance by contacting the airline’s support centre at +91 124 6173838. The airline has also urged travellers to ensure their booking and contact details are up to date.
Air India extended the temporary suspension of all flights to and from the Middle East until 23:59 IST on March 3, 2026.
In an official statement released on its X handle, Air India said that it was closely monitoring developments in the region. Scheduled services to destinations in the United States, Canada, Europe and the United Kingdom have resumed, with safety being given the highest priority.
Due to the continued closure of several Middle Eastern airspaces, flights to the region remain suspended.
Air India said passengers affected by the suspension will be offered alternative travel arrangements, full refunds, or complimentary rescheduling.
Travellers are advised to check their flight status on the airline’s official website or contact its 24/7 support team for further assistance.
(with PTI inputs)
