Indian Consulate in Dubai Issues Advisory for Stranded Citizens Amid Flight Disruptions
The Consulate General of India in Dubai has issued an urgent advisory to Indian nationals who are currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates. This advisory comes as scheduled commercial flights remain suspended due to the prevailing regional situation and restrictions on airspace, which have severely impacted aviation operations.
Flight Suspensions and Alternative Travel Options
According to the official advisory, scheduled commercial flights are not operating at this time. However, in an effort to assist with repatriation, some airlines are operating non-scheduled commercial flights. Authorities are actively compiling and sharing details of available flights from the UAE to India online, allowing affected passengers to track potential travel options. Passengers are strongly advised not to proceed to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by their airline and have received a confirmed departure time. It is crucial for travelers to stay in touch with their airlines for the most recent updates on their travel arrangements.
The advisory also highlights that various airlines are operating non-scheduled or charter commercial flights from the UAE. Those interested in exploring these options should check availability through the official websites of the concerned airlines. These flights are part of ongoing efforts to gradually move stranded passengers while airlines assess operating conditions.
Visa Fine Waivers and Hotel Stay Extensions
In a significant relief measure, UAE authorities have confirmed that visa fine waivers will apply to travelers affected by the airspace closure that began on February 28, 2026. Under this measure, visas will be automatically extended and remain valid until regular flight services resume. This initiative is designed to ensure that individuals stranded due to the disruption of aviation services do not face penalties for overstaying their visas.
Additionally, hotels have been instructed to extend guests' stays under the same terms and conditions as their original bookings. Guidelines issued by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi specify that hotels should not increase room rates or alter booking conditions for stranded travelers. Passengers encountering issues with hotel extensions are advised to contact hotel authorities directly to arrange the continuation of their stay. For further assistance, travelers can seek help from the Dubai Tourism Police at +97146096239 or lodge complaints through official channels if hotels fail to cooperate.
Alternative Travel via Oman Land Route
The advisory also addresses alternative travel options, advising anyone considering traveling by land through Oman to check visa criteria beforehand. Passengers are warned that border crossings, such as the Hatta Border Crossing and those through Al Ain, may experience congestion due to high traveler volumes. Authorities recommend ensuring that drivers accompanying travelers have valid visas for Oman and possess basic knowledge of Arabic to facilitate immigration procedures.
Emergency Helplines and Ongoing Monitoring
Indian nationals in the UAE can contact embassy and airline helplines for assistance. Emergency helplines include a toll-free number at 80046342 and a WhatsApp line at +971 543090571. Airline helpdesk numbers are provided for updates on flights and travel arrangements, including contacts for Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Air India, and IndiGo.
The Indian mission continues to monitor the evolving situation and will issue updates as necessary. Indian nationals are advised to follow official updates through the websites of the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi for the latest information regarding travel and assistance. Travelers are encouraged to remain in contact with airlines and local authorities as aviation operations continue to be affected by the regional crisis.
