Published Mar 02, 2026 | 1:07 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 02, 2026 | 1:07 PM
Explosions near Dubai airport following airstrike by Iran.
Synopsis: Following the escalating situation amid the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs and several state governments have taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of Indian citizens. Airlines noted that flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar have been cancelled until further notice.
Following the escalating situation amid the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs and several state governments have taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of Indian citizens.
Moreover, several flights from India, including those from the southern states, have been cancelled. Airlines noted that flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar have been cancelled until further notice.
Andhra Pradesh NRI Empowerment Affairs Minister Kondapalli Srinivas urged residents of Andhra Pradesh not to panic amid prevailing tensions and assured them that both the state and Union governments are closely monitoring the situation.
He said the state government, based on the directions of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, is in constant coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of Andhra Pradesh residents.
He urged them to contact the NRT helpline numbers — +91 85000 27678 and +91 0863 2340678 — or visit the official website apnrts.ap.gov.in for further information.
Srinivas also appealed to Andhra Pradesh natives residing in Iran and Israel to register with the respective Indian Embassies and remain in constant contact with officials.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said that the state government is in continuous contact with the Ministry of External Affairs, making efforts to safely bring back Kannadigas stranded in Arab countries.
He said 30 people from Ballari stranded in Arab countries will also be brought back, adding that Indians in Dubai are safe.
“The safety of Kannadigas residing in Arab countries has been discussed with the Chief Secretary and local Commissioners. The Dubai airport has been shut down, and once it is reopened, arrangements will be made to safely bring them back to India. Legislative Council member Bhojegowda is in Dubai, and I have spoken with him over the phone. At this time, he has said that he is safe in the hotel,” he said.
Meanwhile, flight service from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has been disrupted for the third consecutive day.
The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said that 24 flights have been cancelled on Monday.
The Kerala government had set up a special 24×7 NORKA help desk on the directions of the Chief Minister’s Office to assist expatriate Keralites and their families.
Government-run shelters have been established in Bahrain, and a special help desk comprising NORKA representatives and Loka Kerala Sabha members has been formed to coordinate relief and information dissemination activities.
Emergency assistance was also arranged through Malayali organisations and Loka Kerala Sabha members for expatriates stranded in the UAE who were unable to travel onward to other destinations.
Authorities said the help desk will continue to function around the clock to ensure timely support to expatriates and their families amid the ongoing uncertainties.
Meanwhile, the Kerala SSLC (Class 10) and Plus Two examinations scheduled for 2026 have been postponed for students appearing from Middle East centres in view of the continuing Iran–Israel conflict.
The decision has been taken by the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan, and according to media reports, an official circular announcing the postponement will be issued shortly. More than 1,000 students are expected to appear for the SSLC and Plus Two examinations from various Gulf countries this year.
The Kerala SSLC examination was originally scheduled to be conducted from 5 March to 30 March, while the Plus Two examination was set to begin on 6 March 2026; however, these dates will no longer be applicable for candidates writing the exams from the Middle East region.
The board will announce revised examination dates soon for students appearing from the Gulf centres.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said a control room has been set up at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi to assist Tamil Nadu natives stranded in the Gulf countries.
Expressing concern, Stalin said the state government is closely monitoring the situation. He said clear instructions have been given to the Department of Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils and Rehabilitation to stay in touch with people and provide all help.
In case of emergencies, Tamil Nadu residents can contact the 24×7 helpline of the state department or the control room.
Flight operations at Chennai International Airport were severely affected on Monday, with 36 services cancelled as tensions escalated in the Middle East following the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Passengers scheduled to travel to Gulf destinations were left stranded, while many others rushed to rebook tickets or seek alternate routes.
A total of 18 departures from Chennai and 18 arrivals were cancelled, affecting key routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Manama, Kuwait City, and Muscat.
Airlines have suspended operations on these sectors after several countries in the region closed their airspace amid security concerns.
Officials said the airspace closures have also forced rerouting of long-haul flights that typically pass through the region.
Services arriving in Chennai from London, the United States, and Germany may face extended travel times and delays due to altered flight paths.
Despite the disruption, flights to destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, and parts of Europe continue to operate normally. Authorities, however, warned that the situation remains fluid and further disruptions are possible if tensions in West Asia persist.
The Telangana government established a 24×7 control room at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, for the people from the state in view of the situation. The state government said it is closely monitoring the situation prevailing in certain Middle Eastern countries.
Senior officials at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, are already in continuous contact with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the concerned Indian Embassies to assess the situation, the state government said.
In view of the enquiries being received from Telangana citizens residing in the affected countries, including those who may be stranded, and from their family members, the Government of Telangana has established a 24×7 Control Room at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi. The Control Room will function round-the-clock to facilitate necessary coordination and extend assistance as required.
Telangana citizens presently residing in the region, or their family members in Telangana, may contact the Control Room in case of distress, travel disruptions, or other emergency situations.
24×7 Control Room Contact Numbers: Vandana Barua (PS to Resident Commissioner & Liaison Head): +91 9871999044; CH Chakravarthi (Public Relations Officer): +91 9958322143; Javed Husain (Liaison Officer): +91 9910014749; Rakshit Naik (Liaison Officer): +91 9643723157
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had on Sunday advised Telugu people living in Iran and other Gulf countries to remain extremely alert in view of the continuing war situation in the region.
In a statement, the Chief Minister urged residents to strictly follow the security guidelines, instructions and advisories issued by Indian embassies and consulates from time to time.
