Dos And Don'ts For Indian Travellers Stranded In The Middle East
The essential checklist for Indian nationals affected by regional airspace closures
With escalating conflict triggering widespread airspace restrictions across parts of the Middle East, multiple airlines have suspended or cancelled services. Indian carriers including Air India, Akasa Air, Air India Express and IndiGo have cancelled or adjusted multiple routes connecting Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru to cities in the Gulf, while routes across these countries have been adjusted for the time being.
Meanwhile, international operators like Emirates have temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai. Operations at Doha’s Hamad International Airport were suspended following the closure of Qatari airspace, and flights to the UAE and other regional hubs have also been affected.
As of now, the Ministry of External affairs is coordinating immediate evacuations. Advisories have been issued for Indians in countries like Egypt and Turkey as well. So if you’re a traveller stranded stranded in these regions, here’s what you need to know.
Register with your nearest Indian mission
If you have not yet informed the local Indian mission of your presence, register immediately through official channels. The Ministry of External Affairs coordinates assistance, advisories and potential evacuation efforts based on documented nationals in each country. Registration ensures you receive verified updates directly and can be contacted quickly if movement instructions or emergency support become necessary.
Flight Bookings
If your flight has been cancelled, most airlines are offering full refunds or complimentary rescheduling within the disruption window. Keep checking your airline’s official website for updates and book tickets directly through the airline’s official website or verified customer care channels. Avoid relying on travel agents or third-party portals unless absolutely necessary. Do not assume your ticket is valid just because you haven’t received a cancellation message. Systems can lag during airspace closures.
Look For Stay Assistance
If you are stranded mid-transit, local aviation authorities in some airports are arranging temporary accommodation support for certain passengers. If your stay is unexpectedly extended, contact your hotel or Airbnb host immediately. Ask about flexible extensions or emergency rates, and confirm payment terms in writing.
Keep Your Documents Ready At All Times
This is not the moment to pack your documents at the bottom of your suitcase. Keep your passport, visa copy, boarding pass, travel insurance and any local residency permits in a small folder you can grab immediately. Take clear photos and store them in cloud storage or email.
Keep Your Phone Charged
Carry a fully charged power bank and, if possible, a backup charging cable. Reduce background app activity and switch off non-essential notifications. Lower your screen brightness and disable auto-downloads for media and updates. In a fast-moving situation, your phone becomes your lifeline for emergency alerts, embassy instructions, location sharing and digital boarding passes.
Secure Your Finances
Keep some local currency in small denominations so you can pay for essentials when needed. ATMs may shut down without notice and card networks can slow or fail during high traffic or technical disruptions. At the same time, avoid carrying excessive cash. Use a mix of cash, cards and digital payments so you are never dependent on a single system.
Do Not Crowd The Airport
Airspace closures can temporarily halt terminal operations, even if parts of the airport remain open. Heading there without confirmed flight movement may mean long waits and limited assistance. Before leaving your accommodation, check directly with your airline and the airport for operational updates. Travel only once services are confirmed to avoid unnecessary delays and logistical inconvenience.
Stay Away From Unverified Social Media Messages
Evacuation lists circulating online are often outdated or fabricated. If a message does not originate from an official embassy handle or airline website, treat it as noise. Do not join random WhatsApp groups promising priority evacuation seats or faster refunds. Crisis attracts opportunists.
Do Not Hoard Essentials Excessively
You may feel tempted to stock up on bottled water, packaged food, basic medication or fuel. Take a breath and assess what you realistically need for a short buffer period. Preparation helps but excess does not. Buying far beyond your requirements can strain local supplies and create unnecessary stress for you and others.
Do Not Argue With Local Authority And Security Forces
This goes without saying. You might be frustrated. You might believe you are being unfairly delayed at a checkpoint. None of that changes the power structure in that moment. Raising your voice, debating policy or invoking “rights” aggressively will not accelerate your movement. Keep your cool, and comply with the instructions given to you.
Where You Can Seek Assistance
Emergency support in Bahrain is available at 00973-39418071. Call directly for immediate guidance.
In Egypt, the Indian Embassy in Cairo can be reached at +20 121 1299905 or +20 1123751598. Emergency communication is also available at indianembassyegypt@gmail.com.
Those located in Iraq can seek help by calling +964 771 651 1185 for English and Hindi assistance or +964 7704444899 for Arabic support. Email cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in or visit eoibaghdad.gov.in for verified updates.
In Kuwait, assistance is available at +965 65501946 or via community.kuwait@mea.gov.in.
In Lebanon, the Embassy of India can be reached on +96176860128 or via email at cons.beirut@mea.gov.in for emergency assistance.
Indian nationals in Oman can call the toll-free number 80071234 or message +96898282270 on WhatsApp. Support is also available through cw.muscat@mea.gov.in and cons.muscat@mea.gov.in.
In Qatar, the Embassy may be contacted at 0097455647502 or cons.doha@mea.gov.in for emergency guidance. With operations at Hamad International Airport affected by airspace closures, confirm flight status before heading to the airport.
For Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia, the Consulate General in Jeddah may be contacted on WhatsApp at +966 536209704 or via the toll-free number 800 244 0003 for disruption-related assistance.
For those currently in Syria, assistance is available at +963993385973 and via email at cons.damascus@mea.gov.in. Official updates are posted on eoidamascus.gov.in. Given the volatility, confirm any travel or relocation plans with the mission before moving.
Across the United Arab Emirates, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has activated a toll-free helpline at 800-46342. You can also connect through WhatsApp at +971543090571 or email ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in. Verify updates strictly through official embassy communication and avoid acting on forwarded messages.