Maharashtra launches helpline for stranded residents in Middle East

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 PTIOfficials said several hundred people from Maharashtra are currently unable to return home because of widespread airspace closures However all are reported to be safeThe Chief Ministerrsquos Office said that Devendra Fadnavis is personally overseeing developments and remains in constant contact with various agenciesHe is also coordinating closely with the Central government which is extending assistance State minister Girish Mahajan has been assigned to manage coordination effortsIn collaboration with Indian Peoples 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 numberOfficials added that data is being collected from districts across Maharashtra to assess the total number of affected citizens hellipmdash CMO Maharashtra CMOMaharashtra March 2 2026Airspace closures cause disruptionMany 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 countriesUS President Donald Trump has said that military operations against Iran would continue as long as necessaryMP among those strandedAmong 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 safeAirline announce special flightsMeanwhile IndiGo Akasa Air have announced that it will operate special flight and Air India issued fresh travel advisory for passengers as tensions after the USIsrael 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 regionIndiGo 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 IndiaThe 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 IndiGos X handle statedThe airline in an official statement said that the affected customers should not go to the airport unless they have been notifiedIndiGo will contact impacted passengers directly with further detailsCustomers can seek assistance by contacting the airlinersquos support centre at 91 124 6173838 The airline has also urged travellers to ensure their booking and contact details are up to dateAir India extended the temporary suspension of all flights to and from the Middle East until 2359 IST on March 3 2026In 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 priorityDue to the continued closure of several Middle Eastern airspaces flights to the region remain suspendedAir India said passengers affected by the suspension will be offered alternative travel arrangements full refunds or complimentary reschedulingTravellers are advised to check their flight status on the airlinersquos official website or contact its 247 support team for further assistancewith PTI inputs