Air India Brings Back 149 Indians Stranded in Dubai Amid Middle East Tensions

• Air India evacuates 149 Indians from Dubai
• Special flight AI916D lands in Delhi safely
• Government and DGCA support evacuation operation

In a major relief effort, Air India successfully brought back 149 Indian nationals who were stranded in Dubai due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The special evacuation flight AI916D landed safely at Delhi airport at 10 58 am on Tuesday morning.

The aircraft registered as VT EDC carried passengers who had been unable to travel home amid flight disruptions and airport closures in the region. Air India confirmed that this was the first evacuation flight operated by an Indian carrier during the current crisis.

Earlier, another special flight AI918D had also arrived in Delhi carrying 143 cockpit and cabin crew members belonging to Air India and Air India Express. The safe return of both passengers and crew brought relief to their families and the airline management.

Air India stated that its operations control center and support teams worked round the clock to coordinate the evacuation. The airline maintained constant communication with authorities to ensure smooth clearances and passenger safety under extraordinary circumstances.

The carrier expressed gratitude to the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and local authorities in Dubai for extending full cooperation. Air India reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.

Officials said the airline continues to closely monitor the situation in Dubai and remains in touch with airport authorities. If required permissions are granted, Air India is prepared to operate additional flights to bring back more stranded Indians.