52,000 Indians return from Gulf as embassy issues new warning to UAE / Image: File
In a major logistical achievement, the Government of India has confirmed the safe return of more than 52,000 Indian citizens from the Gulf region following the recent regional unrest.
Between March 1 and 7, 2026, commercial airlines and unscheduled “rescue” flights worked to clear a backlog of passengers stranded in transit or on short-term visits. With 32,107 of these passengers specifically using Indian airlines, the mission highlights the top priority given to the well-being of the diaspora during times of regional instability.
Thousands of Indians are leaving the UAE and GCC countries
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi have issued an important update on the welfare of over 52,000 Indian nationals who successfully returned home from the Gulf region from March 1 to 7, 2026.
According to the official statement issued by the Government of India, commercial and non-scheduled flights have facilitated the travel of these passengers, many of whom were stranded during transit or short-term visits; 32,107 traveled on Indian airlines. As the situation in West Asia and the Gulf remains under constant surveillance, the Indian authorities have set up a special control room and helplines operating 24/7 to ensure continued safety and assist in the return of all remaining citizens.
Flights are resuming but travel remains unpredictable
The Gulf remains one of the busiest travel corridors for Indian travellers, especially through the UAE, which serves as a global aviation hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.While many flights have resumed from airports across the region, airline schedules have been affected by airspace restrictions and temporary closures in parts of West Asia. These disruptions forced airlines to reroute flights and cancel some services earlier in the week.As operations gradually resumed, thousands of passengers got seats on flights to Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi and Hyderabad.Airlines operating in the region continue to monitor the security situation and adjust schedules as needed.
Indian missions in the Gulf
Indian diplomatic missions across the Gulf are closely monitoring developments while staying in touch with local authorities and community groups.The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai are sharing updates with the Indian community and providing guidance to travelers affected by the unrest.Officials say helplines and assistance channels remain active for citizens who need support related to travel arrangements or documents.India has one of the largest overseas populations in the Gulf region, with more than 3.5 million Indians living in the UAE alone, making developments in the region of particular importance to New Delhi.
How important is the Gulf crisis for Indians?
The Gulf region hosts millions of Indian expatriates, many of whom work in the construction, healthcare, hospitality, finance and technology sectors. Any disruption to regional stability could quickly impact air travel, labor employment, and cross-border movement, which is why governments are closely monitoring developments in West Asia.Officials in New Delhi say they are still in constant coordination with Gulf governments and airlines to ensure that Indian citizens are able to travel safely if necessary.As tensions continue to develop, authorities say more travel movements may occur depending on how the situation in the region develops.
