Flight prices from Abu Dhabi to Delhi have sharply increased due to the ongoing Iran-US war. Limited flights and rising jet fuel costs have pushed ticket prices as high as Rs 70,000 this week. Only one to two direct flights are operating daily between the two cities. Airlines such as Etihad and Air India Express are running the limited services. On March 12, a direct Etihad flight was priced at about Rs 54,166. On March 14, fares reached nearly Rs 69,678. Normally, tickets on this route cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 21,500. Many Indian travellers in the UAE are struggling to return home due to high prices.

A new proposal in the United States, called the Welcoming International Success Act (WISA), could ease strict rules in the H-1B visa programme. The bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives by lawmaker Bonnie Watson Coleman. It aims to reverse tough rules introduced in 2025, including a $100,000 employer fee and stricter wage conditions. These rules made it harder for companies to hire foreign workers. Indians receive over 70% of H-1B visas, so the change could benefit many professionals and students. However, the proposal is still at an early stage and must pass the House, Senate, and receive presidential approval before becoming law.

India on Wednesday condemned the attack on a Thai-flagged cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, which was sailing to Gujarat’s Kandla port through the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being targeted in the West Asia conflict.” The ship was reportedly hit by two projectiles, causing a fire and damage to the engine room. Twenty crew members were rescued, while three remain missing. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later claimed responsibility for the strike. India urged all sides to avoid targeting commercial vessels and endangering civilian crew members during the ongoing conflict in the region. (PC: AP)

Two Indian nationals were killed and another remains missing after merchant vessels were attacked during the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Indian government confirmed. The seafarers were part of the crew on commercial ships sailing in the Gulf region when the vessels came under attack amid rising tensions linked to the Iran-US-Israel conflict. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, authorities are working with shipping companies and regional governments to locate the missing crew member and assist affected families. The incident highlights growing risks for international shipping routes and seafarers as the war disrupts maritime traffic and security in West Asia. (PC: X)

A Thai-flagged cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, travelling to Kandla Port in Gujarat, India, was attacked near the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid escalating Middle East tensions. The vessel had departed from the UAE when it was struck by projectiles, triggering explosions and a fire in the engine room. Around 20 crew members were rescued by the Omani Navy, while three sailors remain missing after the blast. The incident comes during the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict, with Iran warning that ships linked to its adversaries could be targeted in the vital shipping lane. Attacks on multiple vessels have raised global concerns about maritime safety and disruptions to oil and trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: X)

A Thai-flagged cargo ship travelling to Gujarat was attacked by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, causing a fire onboard. The vessel, Mayuree Naree, was hit about 11 nautical miles off the northern coast of Oman, according to maritime security reports. Thailand’s government said 20 of the 23 crew members were rescued during a rescue operation by the Omani navy. Three crew members remained on the vessel after the evacuation. The fire that broke out after the strike was later brought under control. Officials said the weapon used in the attack has not been identified. Investigations are underway and no group has claimed responsibility. (PC: X)

A Thai cargo ship heading to Gujarat’s Kandla port was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, causing a fire on board. The vessel, identified as Mayuree Naree, had departed from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates. Images released by the Royal Thai Navy showed thick smoke rising from the ship after the strike. Crew members deployed life rafts and evacuated the vessel. The Omani navy launched a rescue operation soon after the incident. Officials said 20 crew members were rescued from the water. Three sailors are still missing. “The specific details and cause of the attack are currently under investigation,” the Thai navy said. The attack comes amid rising tensions and security risks in the Gulf due to the ongoing Iran-US conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Air India has announced a phased increase in fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights following a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The spike in fuel costs is linked to supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions caused by the ongoing Iran-related conflict in West Asia. From March 12, passengers will pay a ₹399 surcharge on domestic and SAARC flights, while international routes will see different surcharge levels depending on distance and destination. Since fuel accounts for nearly 40% of airline operating expenses, the airline said the surcharge is necessary to manage rising operational costs. (PC: India Today)

India has purchased around 30 million barrels of Russian crude oil after the United States granted a temporary sanctions waiver, allowing Indian refiners to buy oil already loaded onto tankers. The move comes as the ongoing Middle East conflict has disrupted supplies from key Gulf producers and threatened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy trade. Indian companies, including major refiners, quickly bought available Russian cargoes to secure fuel supplies and stabilize the domestic market. The waiver, valid for about 30 days, is intended to ease global oil shortages and rising prices, though analysts say it offers only short-term relief for India’s energy needs. (PC: AP)

An IndiGo flight (6E002) travelling from London Heathrow to Mumbai was diverted to Cairo on March 8 after airspace restrictions linked to the escalating Middle East conflict disrupted its planned route. The aircraft had already flown for several hours before approval issues while entering Eritrean airspace forced the diversion. More than 300 passengers were stranded in Cairo for over eight hours. IndiGo arranged temporary accommodation, visas and hotel stays for affected travellers while the crew completed mandatory rest requirements. The airline said the flight would resume after the crew rest period. The incident highlights growing disruptions to international aviation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. (PC: India Today)