Srinagar, Mar 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Monday said that the second batch of around 80 Indians, including students and pilgrims, is set to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi, later this evening on a commercial flight, as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of those stranded in Iran amid the prevailing war-like situation in the region.
In a statement, National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that the students and pilgrims, many of whom had been stranded in war-torn Iran, are returning safely to India via a connecting journey through Armenia and Dubai, following coordinated efforts undertaken to facilitate their evacuation.
Khuehami said the group initially travelled from Yerevan Airport in Armenia to Dubai and is currently onboard Flydubai flight FZ441, which is scheduled to arrive at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, at around 9:18 PM today.
He said the journey faced unexpected disruption earlier in the day after Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended several flight operations following a drone incident that reportedly caused a fuel tank to catch fire within the airport premises, leading to delays and cancellations of multiple flights.
“The flight had already completed its first leg and reached Dubai, but the onward journey to New Delhi was delayed due to operational disruptions caused by the drone incident at the airport,” Khuehami said.
The flight was originally scheduled to arrive in New Delhi at 9:55 AM, but due to the temporary suspension of operations at Dubai Airport, the departure was delayed for several hours. The aircraft later received clearance and is now expected to land in New Delhi later this evening.
Khuehami said that around 80 Indian passengers are onboard the flight, the majority of them students from Jammu and Kashmir who were studying at various universities in Iran, along with several pilgrims.
Due to the delay in departure from Dubai, many students missed their connecting flights to Srinagar, which had been scheduled earlier in the day. The Association said it is in touch with the concerned authorities to facilitate their onward travel and ensure necessary assistance once they arrive in Delhi.
The Association further said that more Indian students, along with two additional groups of Kargil pilgrims, are scheduled to depart from Armenia for New Delhi on March 17, while the remaining pilgrims are expected to depart on March 18, as part of the continued efforts to ensure the safe return of all stranded individuals.
Khuehami added that the Association remains in constant touch with the students, the Ministry of External Affairs, and other concerned authorities to monitor the situation and extend all possible assistance until the students safely reach their homes.
