Destined for Kuwait, they ended up in Pakistan… 8 Indians stranded in Karachi, including 3 from Kerala

New Delhi: Due to the airspace closure caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a flight was forced to land at Karachi Airport in Pakistan, leaving eight Indian passengers stranded. These include three from Kerala. This information was provided by Norka Routes, the state government agency that handles the affairs of non-resident Keralites.

According to officials, Krishnadas from Palakkad, his wife Dr. Reshmi Menon, and their three-year-old daughter Smriti Menon were on board the flight. The family was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Kuwait via Sharjah. Other Indian passengers were also on the same Air Arabia flight. Due to the conflict in the Middle East, several countries have closed their airspace, disrupting passenger flights.

Due to this situation, the flight was diverted to Karachi. Passengers stranded at Karachi Airport are still awaiting their next journey as flights to Gulf countries remain affected. Norka Routes has stated that they are in contact with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and are working to bring the passengers back to India as soon as possible.

Officials say that a return plan via Colombo is being considered for Karachi to India. Furthermore, Norka Routes has set up a help desk for NRKs and their families stranded in the Gulf region to provide them with necessary assistance and information. This step has been taken to ensure the safety and smooth movement of stranded individuals.

It should be noted that there is no air traffic service between India and Pakistan. Neither country allows each other to use their airspace. On February 28, Israel and the United States launched a massive attack on Iran in a joint operation. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was also killed in this attack. Due to the escalating war in the Middle East, many countries have closed their airspace, disrupting air travel worldwide.