West Asia Crisis: India Assures Visa Relief to Stranded Foreign Travellers

March 1, 2026

New Delhi: India has assured visa relief to stranded foreign travellers stranded due to flight cancellations caused by escalating tensions in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has directed affected travellers to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and seek assistance with visa extension or migration regularization.

MEA’s advice for stranded foreign travelers

The MEA stated:

> “All foreign nationals who have been forced to change their travel plans due to events in West Asia and require assistance with visa extensions or regularization should contact their nearest FRRO.”

FRRO offices are fully prepared to assist, although the number of stranded travelers is not yet clear.

Flight disruptions due to the Middle East crisis

The crisis escalated on February 28 when Israel and the United States launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military installations. Iran immediately retaliated, resulting in a complete closure of airspace over Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and surrounding areas.

Indian airlines’ flights have also been affected. Air India canceled 22 more international flights on Sunday, bringing the total affected to 50. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, approximately 444 international flights are expected to be canceled by Indian airlines on Sunday due to the airspace closure.