THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
The UK Foreign Office has responded after the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) raised concerns about British citizens believed to be stranded in India and parts of the Middle East following widespread flight disruptions and airspace restrictions.
The organisation said it brought the matter to the attention of Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on 1 March 2026, after being contacted by several families whose return flights to the UK had been cancelled or significantly delayed.
According to the Indian Workers Association, families – particularly from Punjabi and Gujarati communities – reported that relatives were struggling to return home because of disrupted international travel. Some British nationals are also believed to be stranded at transit airports in parts of the Middle East after connecting flights were suspended or severely disrupted.
In a written reply addressed to Sital Singh Gill, General Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), the Foreign Office said supporting British nationals affected by the situation remains a priority.
An FCDO spokesperson said the situation in the region remains “volatile and fast-moving” and that officials are closely monitoring developments while working with airlines, local authorities and international partners to identify available travel options.
British citizens who remain overseas have been advised to check the latest FCDO travel advice for their location and to register their presence with the department in order to receive updates directly.
Those requiring urgent consular assistance or help identifying alternative routes back to the UK are advised to contact the FCDO 24-hour helpline on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Sital Singh Gill, General Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), said:
“We brought this matter to the attention of the Secretary of State after hearing from several concerned families whose relatives were unable to return to the UK because of the disruption to international flights. We welcome the response from the Foreign Office and hope that the information and support available will assist British citizens affected by the situation to return home safely.”
The Indian Workers Association said it has shared the response publicly to help ensure that affected families are aware of the guidance and support available. A copy of the Foreign Office letter has also been made public for information.
