6 New Repatriation Flights Scheduled this March to Rescue Mauritians from War Zone

Forty Mauritian pilgrims arrived at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport early Tuesday morning, 3 March, marking the first successful repatriation after being stranded in Saudi Arabia by the escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The group, who had been performing Umrah in Makkah, touched down at 6:50 am on flight KQ 274 via Nairobi.

Their return follows days of “traumatic” uncertainty after regional air traffic was crippled by military developments, including strikes against Iranian sites on 28 February 2026.

Emotional Reunions Amidst Financial Strain

Relieved families gathered at the arrivals hall, where scenes of tears and prayers replaced the anxiety of the past week.

However, the emotional toll was matched by logistical hardships. Fahiim Patel, who met his elderly in-laws aged 76 and 80, described the experience as harrowing.

“Money was a big problem because there were unforeseen expenses due to this conflict,” Mr Patel said, noting that his relatives faced poor conditions during their transit in Nairobi.

Another pilgrim, Bibi, recounted the moment their journey home was interrupted: “We were on our way, almost at Jeddah, when we learned of the war.

We returned to the airport only to be told there were no flights.” The group spent three nights in the airport after a single night in a Jeddah hotel.

Hundreds Still Stranded

While 40 have returned, hundreds of Mauritians remain stuck across the Middle East. Sydney Pierre, Junior Minister for Tourism, confirmed that approximately 500 passengers are still waiting in Dubai.

A potential Emirates flight from Dubai to Mauritius is pending approval from civil aviation authorities.

In Makkah, Raouf Khodabaccus remains in “total limbo” with his wife and sister. “We no longer have money for the hotel.

Every extra day means unplanned spending on housing and food,” he said, adding that his wife has fallen ill, incurring high medical costs.

Official Warnings and Flight Schedules

The Mauritian Department of Civil Aviation has issued a “Conflict Zone Notice” effective from 2 March, warning of significant risks to civil aircraft.

Operators are strongly advised to avoid the airspace of 13 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE, due to sophisticated air defence systems and the risk of misidentification.

Despite the warnings, Riad Hullemuth, the Mauritian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, described the situation as “manageable.” He announced a series of scheduled repatriation flights for:

• Today (4 March)
• 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 March

While Saudi Arabia has kept its airspace open, claiming safety from attacks, those on the ground like Adrien Duval in Dubai have criticised the lack of clear communication from agencies and authorities.

The crisis continues to evolve as the Mauritian government coordinates with international carriers to bring the remaining citizens home safely.

Source: l’Express