278 India-linked international flights cancelled on 6 March as Middle-East war reshapes aviation lanes
India, Finland map new talent corridors with focus on vocational mobility
Indian carriers launch special services to repatriate travellers stranded by Gulf closures
Latest News
Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi issues safety advisory; visa and consular services continue uninterrupted
Amid escalating Iran–Israel hostilities, India’s embassy in Abu Dhabi told Indian nationals on 6 March to stay alert but reassured them that consular, passport and visa services are functioning normally. Overstay fines have been waived for stranded tourists, and 24×7 helplines are live. For businesses, the notice means assignment documentation can proceed despite flight uncertainties.
QS report predicts India could triple inbound foreign students by 2030 as visa reforms bite
The 6 March QS Insights report forecasts a compound 7 % annual rise in inbound foreign students to India, helped by Study in India incentives and eased visa rules. While infrastructure gaps remain, India could host 150,000 international students by 2030—bolstering its ambitions to become a regional education and talent hub.
Air India restarts limited Gulf services, offers free re-booking as West Asia airspace crisis eases
• Air India and Air India Express resumed partial Gulf operations on 5 March after safety clearance of Saudi and Omani airspace. • Over 20 special flights are operating 5-6 March and change-fee waivers apply to tickets issued before 4 March. • Most West Asia routes are still suspended; Europe/North America flights use longer routings via Rome or Vienna. • Business travellers should expect delays and build extra buffers; the episode highlights the need for robust crisis-routing strategies.
India stops accepting PIO cards for travel, mandates OCI conversion with immediate effect
Effective 5 March 2026, India’s Bureau of Immigration no longer accepts Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards for entry or exit. Cardholders must convert to an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or apply for an entry visa. Employers should urgently audit traveller documents to avoid denied boardings and project delays.
Indian Embassy in UAE activates 24×7 helplines, highlights overstay-fine waiver amid Gulf crisis
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi on 5 March opened round-the-clock helplines and confirmed that the UAE has waived overstay fines for visas expiring after 28 February, easing pressure on stranded Indian nationals. Limited charter flights are running, and consular services remain open. The advisory helps businesses manage compliance risks for staff who missed their planned departures.
New Baggage Rules 2026 boost duty-free allowances for Indians and foreign visitors
India’s updated Baggage Rules raise duty-free limits to ₹75,000 for residents/NRIs and ₹25,000 for foreign tourists, introduce weight-based gold allowances and cut basic customs duty on personal goods to 10 percent. Digital declarations via the ATITHI app will speed up clearance, benefiting business travellers and assignees alike.
Consulate in Milan urges Indians to monitor airlines as Europe-India links restart
The Indian Consulate in Milan on 5 March advised nationals to check directly with airlines as flights between Italy and India remain uneven due to Gulf airspace issues. The post confirms Air India’s limited restart and provides helpline numbers, stressing that travellers should not rely on airport information alone. The guidance is crucial for corporates moving staff between northern Italy and India’s industrial hubs over the next week.