Tensions in the Middle East aren't just headlines; they're a nightmare for families waiting for a WhatsApp message to tick from grey to blue. With airspace closures and missile alerts turning travel into a gamble, the Maharashtra government isn't sitting back. If you or someone you know is stuck in the crossfire of the current Iran conflict, there's now a direct line to the people who can actually do something about it.
The Maharashtra emergency helpline you need right now
The state government has set up a dedicated WhatsApp helpline to track and assist residents from Maharashtra who find themselves unable to leave the Middle East. This isn't just a bot—it’s a bridge to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Helpline Number: +971 50 365 4357
This number is being operated in coordination with the Indian People’s Forum in Dubai. If you're in the UAE, Iran, or surrounding regions and your flight has been canceled or you feel unsafe, this is your first point of contact.
I've seen these situations before. People panic and call every number they find on Google. Don't do that. Stick to this official state line or the MEA’s central room. The Maharashtra government is specifically compiling a database of its own people to ensure no one from the state is left behind when evacuation flights are coordinated.
Rescue operations are already moving
This isn't just about a phone number. Action is already on the ground. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has already organized special aircraft to bring home citizens who were stuck in the UAE.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, two special Star Air flights (VTGSO and VTGSH) were scheduled to depart from Fujairah Airport. These flights are carrying 164 people, including a group of 84 students from the Indira School of Business Studies in Pune. These students, along with residents from Thane, Ahilyanagar, and Murbad, were caught in the chaos after regional airspace was shut down.
It's a massive logistical puzzle. When Iran and Israel exchange fire, the first thing to go is the sky. Commercial pilots aren't going to fly through a missile corridor. That leaves thousands of Indians sitting in airport lounges or hotels, watching their bank accounts drain while they wait for a "clear for takeoff" signal that might not come for days.
What to do if you are currently stranded
If you're reading this from a hotel room in Dubai or a residence in Tehran, here’s the reality: you need to stay put but stay loud.
- Register with the Embassy: The Maharashtra helpline is great for state-specific logistics, but the Indian Embassy is the legal authority. Ensure you've sent your details to the local mission.
- Keep your documents ready: Have digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and Aadhaar card. If an evacuation flight opens up, you won't have time to dig through a suitcase.
- Monitor the "Situation Room": The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has a 24/7 control room in New Delhi. If the Maharashtra line is busy, use these:
- Toll-free: 1800118797
- Phone: +91-11-23012113 / +91-11-23014104
- Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in
Why this conflict feels different for Maharashtrians
Maharashtra has a massive footprint in the Gulf. From tech students in Dubai to engineers in Saudi Arabia and laborers in Qatar, thousands of families in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur are currently glued to the news.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that he’s personally monitoring the situation. Minister Girish Mahajan is also on the front lines of coordination. It's rare to see a state government move this aggressively with private charters like the Star Air flights so early in a conflict. It shows that the state is prepared for a scenario where commercial travel remains paralyzed for weeks.
Essential contact list for West Asia
Don't wait for things to get worse before you save these.
- UAE (Abu Dhabi/Dubai): Toll-free 800-46342 | WhatsApp: +971 543090571
- Iran (Tehran): +98 9128109115 | WhatsApp: +98 9010144557
- Israel (Tel Aviv): +972-54-7520711 | +972-54-2428378
- Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): 00-966-11-4884697 | WhatsApp: 00-966-542126748
The situation is fluid. One moment the airspace is open, the next it's closed due to "operational reasons." Honestly, the best thing you can do right now is avoid travel to the region entirely. If you're already there, use the WhatsApp helpline provided by the Maharashtra government immediately. Give them your exact location, passport number, and local contact details.
If you're a family member in India, keep your phone's ringer on. The CMO has been reaching out directly to families once their relatives are confirmed for boarding on rescue flights. Stay calm, get registered, and let the official channels do the heavy lifting.
If you need to reach the Maharashtra government's help desk, start with the WhatsApp number +971 50 365 4357 or check the official @CMOMaharashtra handle on X for the latest flight manifest updates.
