A first group of Indian nationals who had been stranded in Dubai for three days has arrived safely in Mumbai by air, as flight services across parts of the Middle East remain disrupted.
The disruption comes amid heightened war tensions in the region, with reports of intensified attacks on Iran by the US and Israel and fears of retaliatory targeting of US military bases in Gulf countries.
With air connectivity affected, many Indians in Middle Eastern countries have been unable to return home. The Central government has stepped up efforts to facilitate their safe return.
At Mumbai airport, relatives waiting outside welcomed the arriving passengers. One returnee, Visakha, said the situation in Dubai had been frightening and added that about 580 Indians were stranded there, with people now returning to India on different flights.
