At least 109 people from Karnataka have been stranded in West Asian countries following widespread airspace closures amid the ongoing conflict.
According to official data released by the State government, 100 people 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 shows that Ballari accounts for the highest number of stranded passengers in the UAE at 32, followed by Bengaluru (25) and Davanagere (9). Kodagu and Vijayapura have four stranded persons each, while Chikkamagaluru has five. Three persons each are stranded from Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga and Raichur. Two each are from Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Kalaburagi and Udupi, while one person is from Tumakuru. The districts of three individuals are yet to be confirmed.
In Bahrain, four persons are from Hassan, three from Udupi, one from Kodagu and one from an unspecified district.
Fully activated
In a press release, Relief Commissioner and Principal Secretary to the Revenue Department (Disaster Management) Munish Moudgil said that on the directions of the Chief Minister 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 and Indian Embassies and Consulates in the affected countries. The Karnataka Resident Commissioner has also activated the Karnataka Bhavan team in New Delhi for coordination with authorities. “As on March 2, 10 a.m., the details of 109 stranded people from Karnataka received at SEOC and DEOC have been forwarded to the 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 coordination 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.
Published – March 02, 2026 07:05 pm IST
