Hundreds of Gujaratis stranded in Dubai as Gulf airspace closures disrupt flights

Hundreds of Gujaratis have been stranded at Dubai International Airport after several Gulf countries closed their airspace following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, disrupting flight operations across the region.

Among those affected is the promoter of an Ahmedabad-based IT company, who had travelled to Dubai four days ago to visit his son. He was scheduled to return to Ahmedabad on Thursday but was forced to leave the airport and return to his son’s residence after his flight was cancelled. Several members and businessmen associated with the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also stranded after flights were suspended.

Travel operators in Gujarat said they have cancelled upcoming tours to Dubai and are offering postponements in view of passenger safety. Many travellers due to depart are seeking clarity on refunds for air tickets and hotel bookings.

Tourists who had travelled to Dubai for the long weekend and Holi festivities are also stuck at the airport. Some have been advised not to proceed to Dubai International Airport or Al Maktoum International Airport until further notice. However, Gujarati families settled in Dubai said the situation within the city remains calm.

Airspace closures across parts of the Gulf have led to widespread disruption. Flights from the UAE have been hit, while Etihad Airways has suspended services from Abu Dhabi, leaving passengers bound for India and other destinations stranded. Travellers from the US heading to India via Gulf hubs have reportedly been rerouted through Hong Kong at significantly higher fares.

An Ahmedabad-based political leader, speaking from Kuala Lumpur airport, said several Indian passengers were awaiting alternative connections after Gulf airspace closures were announced.

Meanwhile, the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association claimed that around 1,200 Indian students remain in Iran amid the escalating tensions. Faizan Nabi, a medical student at Kerman University of Medical Sciences and coordinator of the association in Iran, said nearly half of the Indian students had returned home after the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an advisory on February 23 asking nationals to leave by available means.

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu is also stranded in Dubai but is safe, with the Indian Embassy assisting her. In a social media post, she described the situation as “terrifying” and said it was difficult to process the rapid escalation of events.

Actor Sonal Chauhan also said she was stranded in Dubai and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for assistance in ensuring her safe return.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as passengers await further updates on the resumption of flight services.

Furthermore, India has issued an advisory offering assistance to foreign nationals stranded in India who had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing clashes in the Middle East and the Gulf region. 

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Sunday, “All foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularize their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office ( FRRO).”