Stranded in Dubai: How the Ongoing Crisis is Affecting Indians Abroad

As tensions rise in West Asia due to military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, hundreds of Indians find themselves stranded in Dubai and other airports. Notable figures, including Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and various tourists, are appealing for government assistance. With flight operations suspended and safety concerns escalating, the Indian government is working to facilitate their return. This article explores the plight of those affected and the ongoing efforts to ensure their safe repatriation amidst a challenging international situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 1, 2026, 19:04 IST

Indians Stuck in Dubai Amid Ongoing Conflict

New Delhi: Flight services to and from West Asia have been severely impacted following the military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, leaving numerous Indians stranded in Dubai and other major airports. Many are turning to social media to seek help from the Indian government.

Among those affected are Olympic champion PV Sindhu, Karnataka JD(S) MLC SL Bhojegowda and his family, as well as Bengali actress Subhashree Ganguly and her son, alongside various tourists and student groups.

Reports indicate that over 700 individuals from Madhya Pradesh, including two former MLAs, are currently stuck in the UAE due to flight cancellations, according to a representative from a travel agents' association.

These travelers had visited the UAE for tourism and business, as stated by Amol Kataria, the chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India's Madhya Pradesh chapter.

Notably, former MLA and BJP member Sanjay Shukla is among those stranded. He shared on social media that their return to India was halted due to the temporary closure of Dubai airport. Shukla expressed gratitude for the support from both the Dubai authorities and the Indian government, assuring that they would return to Indore once conditions improve.

In a video posted online, Shukla highlighted the alarming situation, showing smoke rising from an explosion nearby.

Following the US and Israeli strikes, Iran retaliated with military actions targeting American and Israeli bases across the region, including in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

Shukla described the deteriorating conditions, stating, "The situation here has become bad. You can see that a bomb just exploded. All traffic has stopped. People are being advised to stay indoors." He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate the safe return of stranded Indians.

Indore MP Shankar Lalwani confirmed that several residents from the city are trapped in the UAE and that the Ministry of External Affairs has been notified. He assured that efforts would be made to repatriate them once the situation stabilizes.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah mentioned that his government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safe return of citizens. He spoke with Bhojegowda, who confirmed his safety while staying at a hotel.

Siddaramaiah added, "We are in contact with the Ministry of External Affairs and are working to bring everyone back without causing inconvenience. There are 52 individuals stranded, including 35 from Ballari and others from different states."

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the government is actively working to ensure the safe return of Indians, noting the current turbulence makes flying dangerous.

PV Sindhu and her coach found themselves stranded at Dubai International Airport after flights were suspended. The Indonesian coach, Irwansyah Adi Pratama, narrowly escaped an explosion near their location while en route to the All England Championships.

Sindhu shared her distress on social media, stating, "The ordeal continues to unfold, and the situation is becoming more frightening by the hour. A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport."

Bengali actor Subhashree Ganguly and her son Yuvaan are also stuck in Dubai, as confirmed by her husband, film director and Trinamool Congress MLA Raj Chakraborty. They are currently at a hotel in Palm Jumeirah, where an explosion occurred nearby, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain indoors.

Neeru Garg, principal of SSD Girls College in Punjab's Bathinda, reported being in Sharjah with her family without cash or essential medications. She explained that they had exhausted their funds, expecting to return on a booked IndiGo flight to Amritsar.

Garg appealed for immediate government assistance for her and other stranded passengers, stating they were stuck at Sharjah International Airport after their flight was canceled.

Eighty-four MBA students from Pune's Indira School of Business Studies, who were in Dubai for a five-day study tour, are also unable to return due to the airspace closure. The students are safe and have been relocated to a hotel, according to ISBS Dean Janardhan Pawar.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory for foreign nationals stranded in India, urging them to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for assistance with visa extensions or to regularize their stay.