Iran conflict: Shinde arranges flights to bring back 164 stranded in UAE; Government launches helpline
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speaks to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. File | Photo Credit: PTI
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has arranged two planes to bring back 164 citizens of the State stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict, according to a statement from the office of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
The State Government has also launched an emergency WhatsApp helpline for hundreds of State residents stranded in the Middle East. The two flights will take off from Fujairah Airport at 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm and are expected to land in Mumbai in the evening, Mr. Shinde’s office said in a statement.
It was stated that the 164 passengers included 84 students of Pune-based Indira School of Business Studies and residents of Thane, Ahilyanagar and Pune. The Deputy Prime Minister has been in contact with those stranded since the West Asian conflict began on Saturday (27 February 2026).
Hundreds of people from Maharashtra are stranded in the Middle East due to airspace closure due to Iran war, but all are safe, according to officials. In a post published on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (CMO) said that CM Devendra Fadnavis is personally monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with various agencies.
It also coordinates regularly with the Central Government, which provides all possible assistance, while Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan has also been entrusted with the coordination work.
The CMO stated that the State Government has issued a WhatsApp helpline number in coordination with the People’s Forum of India in Dubai.+971 50 365 4357for stranded citizens who need assistance.
US President Donald Trump said that heavy and precise bombardment against Iran will continue throughout the week or as long as necessary. Following the incident, many airspaces in West Asia were closed, causing major flight disruptions and stranding passengers.
Figures of stranded citizens have been collected from more places in Maharashtra, officials said. Among those stranded in Dubai was Congress Jalna Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Kale, who went there on Friday, February 27, just a day before the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, his brother Jagannath Kale said.
WhatsApp helpline number for citizens needing help: +971 50 365 4357
It was published – 03 March 2026 01:19 IST
