Passengers, including Indians, stranded at Abu Dhabi airport amid flight disruptions and cancellations due to the conflict in West Asia, on February 28, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Video Grab
At least 109 persons from Karnataka are stranded in West Asian countries following widespread airspace closure amid the ongoing conflict in parts of the West Asia after US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
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 of people from Karnataka stranded in West Asia due to ongoing conflict that has led to closure of airspace for international flight operatsions.
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.
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Fully activated
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.
Situation fluid
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.
CM promises full assistance to stranded Kannadigas
Assuring that the well-being and safe return of every Kannadiga abroad was his government’s highest priority, CM Siddaramaiah said he was closely monitoring the evolving situation in parts of West Asia following the recent escalation of tensions.
In a post on X, the CM said that the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) had been activated 24×7. “Our Chief Secretary has written to the Government of India seeking urgent intervention for the safety, assistance and possible repatriation of Kannadigas. A separate communication has also been sent requesting coordination with airlines to provide necessary support, flexibility in ticket rescheduling, and to ensure adequate return flights at the earliest,” he said.
He urged Kannadigas stranded in the affected region to register with the concerned Embassy/Consulate through the helpline numbers. “The Government of Karnataka stands firmly with you. We will continue to take every necessary step to ensure your safety and safe return,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
Published – March 02, 2026 11:23 am IST
