109 persons from Karnataka stranded in West Asia as airspace closure disrupts flights

At least 109 persons from Karnataka are stranded in West Asian countries following widespread airspace closure amid the ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East after US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

District-wise data of people from Karnataka stranded in West Asia due to ongoing conflict that has led to closure of airspace for international flight operatsions.

According to official data released by the government of Karnataka, 100 persons are stranded in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and nine in Bahrain after several countries declared NOTAM (closure of airspace), severely disrupting international flight operations.

District-wise data shows that Ballari accounts for the highest number of passengers stranded in the UAE at 32, followed by Bengaluru (25) and Davanagere (9). Kodagu and Vijayapura have four stranded persons each, while Chikkamagaluru has five. Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga and Raichur account for three persons each. Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Kalaburagi and Udupi account for two each, while one person is from Tumakuru.

Four persons from Hassan are stranded in Bahrain, three from Udupi, one from Kodagu, and one from an unspecified district.

Relief Commissioner and Principal Secretary to the Revenue Department (Disaster Management) Munish Moudgil said that, on the directions of the Chief Minister of Karnataka and the Revenue Minister, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) have been fully activated and are functioning round-the-clock to monitor the situation and extend necessary assistance.

The SEOC and DEOCs are regularly updating advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries. The Karnataka Resident Commissioner has also activated the Karnataka Bhavan team in New Delhi for co-ordination with authorities. “As on March 2 at 10 a.m., the details of 109 stranded people from Karnataka received at SEOC and DEOC has been forwarded to MEA and Karnataka Bhavan,” Mr Moudgil said.

Embassy- and consulate-wise helpline numbers and advisories have been circulated widely through official social media platforms. Authorities said requests for assistance received at the SEOC and DEOCs are being compiled, and forwarded to the Resident Commissioner’s Office and the Ministry of External Affairs.

Mr. Moudgil has urged people from Karnataka residing in the affected countries to strictly follow local advisories, contact Indian missions, and register on the Sarthi Sahayata portal. “The situation remains fluid,” he said, adding that further updates will be issued as necessary.

“Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for co-ordination of persons from Karnataka arriving at various airports in India will be issued upon commencement of evacuation by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA),” Mr. Moudgil said.