Indians, Including PV Sindhu, Repatriated from Dubai Amid Middle East Crisis
Around 150-212 Indian citizens, including badminton star PV Sindhu, were safely repatriated from Dubai after a two-day ordeal caused by extensive flight cancellations due to escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions in the Middle East. Flights partially resumed on Monday, allowing for the return of stranded passengers.
Key Highlights
- Over 150 Indians, including PV Sindhu, stranded in Dubai for two days.
- Flight cancellations caused by escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict in West Asia.
- PV Sindhu described the experience as 'tense and scary' after explosion.
- Repatriation flights, including Air India, resumed operations from Dubai.
- JD(S) MLC S L Bhojegowda among those returned, lauded Dubai government's help.
- Indian High Commission and Dubai authorities assisted stranded citizens.
A significant number of Indian citizens, estimated between 150 and 212, endured a two-day ordeal in Dubai, including prominent badminton player PV Sindhu, as international flights to and from the United Arab Emirates faced widespread cancellations. The disruption stemmed from escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, specifically involving US-Israel strikes on Iran, which led to a closure of airspace and suspension of flights since Saturday, February 28, 2026.
PV Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist, was among those affected, having been stranded at Dubai International Airport while in transit from Bengaluru to Birmingham for the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships. She recounted a 'tense and scary' experience, noting that an explosion occurred close to where she and her coach, Irwansyah Adi Pratama, were holed up at the airport. Sindhu expressed gratitude to the Dubai authorities, airport staff, Emirates Airlines, and the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their "extraordinary support" and efforts in ensuring the safety and coordination of stranded passengers during the difficult time.
Flights began to partially resume from late Monday, March 2, 2026, enabling the repatriation of many stranded Indians. An Air India flight was notably among the first Indian carriers to arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday with 149 passengers and eight crew members, confirming the resumption of services amidst the regional crisis. Additionally, JD(S) MLC S L Bhojegowda, who was also stranded in Dubai while returning to Bengaluru, confirmed that he and 212 other Indian travelers returned to Bengaluru late on Monday. Bhojegowda praised the Dubai government and Emirates for their decisive action in arranging their departure, though he commented on the perceived unresponsiveness of the Indian embassy initially.
The broader context of the incident is a rapidly evolving and highly volatile situation in the Middle East, characterized by US and Israel launching a major offensive on Iran, followed by retaliatory airstrikes. These developments forced multiple airlines to cancel flights and issue advisories, causing significant travel chaos. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had also issued an urgent safety advisory valid until March 2, further highlighting the severity of the airspace disruption.
The plight of Indian citizens caught in the geopolitical crossfire underscores the impact of such conflicts on international travel and the need for prompt governmental and diplomatic intervention. While the immediate crisis of stranded travelers is being addressed with the resumption of flights, the underlying geopolitical tensions remain a concern for continued travel safety in the region. The incident highlights the vulnerability of global aviation to regional conflicts and the critical role of coordinated international efforts in times of crisis to ensure the safety and swift return of citizens abroad. The news was widely covered by major Indian news outlets, corroborating the central claims of stranded Indians and PV Sindhu's involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Indians, including PV Sindhu, stranded in Dubai?
Indians, including PV Sindhu, were stranded in Dubai due to widespread flight cancellations. These cancellations were a direct consequence of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically involving US-Israel strikes on Iran, which led to the closure of airspace in the region.
When did this incident occur?
The incident occurred around February 28 to March 3, 2026. Flights began to be suspended on Saturday, February 28, and repatriation efforts commenced and continued through Monday and Tuesday, March 2 and 3, respectively.
How long was the ordeal for the stranded passengers?
The ordeal for the stranded passengers lasted approximately two days, with flights suspended from Saturday and partial resumption occurring on Monday and Tuesday, enabling their return.
What was PV Sindhu's reaction to being stranded?
PV Sindhu described the situation as 'tense and scary,' especially after experiencing an explosion close to her location at the Dubai airport. She expressed gratitude to the Dubai and Indian authorities, as well as airport staff and Emirates Airlines, for their support.
Which organizations helped in the repatriation of the stranded Indians?
The repatriation of stranded Indians was facilitated by the resumption of flights by carriers like Air India. The Dubai government, Dubai airport authorities, and the Indian High Commission in Dubai also played crucial roles in assisting the affected citizens.
