After Days of Chaos, Indians Finally Return Home From Gulf

After days of disruption, several airlines restored flight services from Abu Dhabi and Dubai in UAE, affected by the widening US-Israeli war with Iran. The US and Israel attack on Iran triggered missile and drone attacks across the Middle East forcing many nations in the region to shut or restrict their airspace.

On Tuesday, nearly 1,900 out of more than 5,450 flights scheduled to the Middle East were cancelled. Etihad, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia resumed partial services from UAE.

Passengers stranded in the UAE states heaved a sigh of relief with the restoration of flights, though in a limited number. On Monday night, Indian passengers stranded in UAE arrived at Kempe Gowda International Airport.

They recalled the anxious moments experienced in the airport where they feared possible missile attacks and sudden flight cancellations in Abu Dhabi. They also thanked the Indian government, Etihad Airways and the Abu Dhabi government for providing accommodation and ensuring their safety during the anxious period by alerting them about the missile threats.

Some passengers said that they could see the missile interceptions in the sky and developed respect for the Indian Army. Many passengers said that the condition in Abu Dhabi was relatively stable but there was tension in the atmosphere.

The passengers who returned home recalled the tense situation in Gulf. One of the passengers said that they could see missiles being intercepted constantly.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian embassies in Middle East opened emergency helplines and contact details have been issued for Indians, requiring help. It is expected that airlines would restore flights completely in the next few days.