Middle East
Emotional homecoming: 200 Indians rescued from Jeddah as Middle East conflict shuts airspace
Ahmedabad/IBNS: Around 200 Indian citizens stranded in Saudi Arabia were brought back home on a special IndiGo relief flight amid widespread airspace restrictions triggered by the escalating Middle East conflict, media reports said.
The flight, carrying passengers stuck in Jeddah, landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad late Tuesday night.
Emotional scenes unfolded at the airport as stranded citizens reunited with their loved ones after days of uncertainty.
“We were stuck at the airport and then spent two days at a hotel in Mecca. Then we were repatriated due to the Indian government’s effort,” a senior passenger told the media after landing.
Several other returnees expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for facilitating their evacuation.
Meanwhile, an Air India flight carrying passengers and crew from Dubai arrived in New Delhi, marking the first flight by an Indian carrier to land in the national capital since disruptions began due to the conflict.
The evacuations come amid heightened tensions following reported US-Israel strikes aimed at weakening Iran’s military and nuclear command structure. The reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader has intensified instability in the region.
In retaliation, Iran launched missiles and armed drones targeting US military bases and key energy infrastructure, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
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