Dozens of Indian tourists were left stranded at Dubai International Airport after airspace closures across the UAE and parts of the Middle East disrupted flight operations following US-Israel strikes on Iran.
The sudden escalation in tensions triggered precautionary restrictions in regional airspace, leading to flight cancellations, delays, and diversions. Several outbound and connecting flights to India were either postponed indefinitely or cancelled, leaving passengers waiting at the airport for hours without clarity on rescheduled departures.
Many stranded travellers said they were informed about delays only after reaching the airport. With limited updates from airlines and long queues at help desks, passengers have urged the Indian government and consulate authorities to intervene and facilitate alternate travel arrangements.
“We have been waiting for hours with no clear communication. Hotels are expensive and we don’t know when flights will resume,” said one traveller scheduled to return to Kerala. Others travelling to Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad shared similar concerns, citing uncertainty and rising accommodation costs in the city.
Airlines operating between Dubai and major Indian cities have advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport. Some carriers are offering rebooking options, while others are awaiting further instructions as regional airspace restrictions continue to evolve.
The disruption comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets. The developments have raised security concerns across the Gulf region, prompting aviation authorities to reassess flight routes and temporarily suspend certain operations as a precautionary measure.
Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Travellers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines and follow official advisories issued by Indian missions in the region.
With uncertainty still looming over the duration of the airspace closures, stranded passengers remain hopeful for swift diplomatic and logistical coordination to ensure their safe return home.
Delhi airport authorities on Saturday morning issued a passenger advisory cautioning travellers about possible delays and schedule changes on westbound international flights due to the evolving political situation in the Middle East.
In the advisory released at 08:00 hrs, passengers were advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight status before leaving for the airport. Officials stressed that flight operations could be impacted as airlines reassess routes and schedules in view of regional developments.
Travellers have also been urged to monitor real-time updates through the airport’s official website, www.newdelhiairport.in, for verified information.
Airport authorities expressed appreciation for passengers’ patience and cooperation during the period of uncertainty and requested that travellers rely only on official communication channels for accurate and updated information.
