2,000 Hyderabad Residents Stranded in Dubai
HYDERABAD: The ongoing war between Iran and Israel has impacted residents of Hyderabad, with Dubai International Airport temporarily shut due to security concerns. Over 24,400 Indian nationals were stranded for two days. Of them, around 2,000 are believed to be from Hyderabad, according to travel agencies.
Families in the city have expressed concern over the safety of their relatives who travelled to Dubai for tourism, business, higher education and medical purposes.
Airport Reopens, But Hyderabad Flight Cancelled
Dubai Airport was reopened on Monday night. Flights to Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai resumed operations. However, the Hyderabad-bound Emirates flight was cancelled despite boarding passes being issued.
Passengers were shifted back to hotels, a traveller told to reporter.
Families Reach Out, Seek Updates
Relatives in Hyderabad have been calling their family members in Dubai to check on their safety.
“How is the situation there? Please stay safe. Don’t go anywhere alone,” family members have been telling them.
At the same time, several passengers approached travel agencies seeking cancellation, rescheduling or refunds for their tickets.
“We Came for a Holiday, Now Stranded”
Travel agencies said around 2,000 to 3,000 people from the city had recently travelled to Dubai for vacation and remain stranded.
A city-based travel agency operator currently in Dubai said he had travelled there on February 20 and had booked his return ticket for February 26. Due to the airport closure following the war, he was unable to return.
“The situation here is relatively calm. If there is any possibility of an attack, we immediately receive alert messages on our mobile phones,” he said.
Dubai remains a popular tourist destination for residents of Hyderabad.
