Over 500 Andhra Residents Return from Gulf as West Asia Tensions Disrupt Travel

As tensions continue to rise across West Asia following the confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran , hundreds of Indian travellers stranded in Gulf countries are gradually making their way back home. Among them, more than 500 residents of Andhra Pradesh have safely returned to the state with the support of the government and diaspora organisations.

Officials from the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) said coordinated efforts between the state government, aviation authorities and Indian missions in the region helped facilitate the return of stranded travellers. APNRTS president Ravi Vemuru said the organisation has been working round the clock to assist Telugu residents who were unable to continue their journeys due to widespread flight disruptions.

According to Vemuru, a large share of those affected were temporary visa holders or transit passengers who were travelling through Gulf countries to other international destinations. The sudden suspension and cancellation of flights across the region left many passengers stranded at major aviation hubs in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman .

Nearly 400 travellers approached APNRTS directly seeking assistance , and the organisation helped coordinate their travel back to India through available flights and alternative routes. Several others managed to return independently once limited commercial services resumed on certain sectors.

In cases where regular air connectivity remained unavailable, authorities arranged alternative travel plans to help passengers reach airports where flights were operating. Some groups were transported by road from Dubai to Muscat in Oman , from where they boarded flights to India. Others were flown out through private charter services operating from Fujairah , ensuring their safe return despite disruptions.

However, not all stranded travellers have been able to return yet. Around 50 Telugu pastors who had travelled to Bahrain to attend a conference remain there due to limited flight availability. Efforts are currently underway to bring them back through Saudi Arabian transit points such as Dammam or Riyadh , depending on airline schedules and travel permissions.

Meanwhile, officials clarified that several Indians working in oil and gas facilities across Gulf countries will continue to remain there for now. Many of them have been classified as essential workers by their employers and host governments , meaning their services are required to maintain critical energy operations.

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi are also coordinating with central government agencies and Indian embassies to assist affected travellers and monitor the situation. State officials said the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Andhra Pradesh residents living or travelling abroad , while continuing efforts to facilitate the return of those still stranded in the region.