More than 250 travellers from Maharashtra are currently stranded in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, following widespread flight disruptions triggered by escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The situation follows aviation advisories and precautionary airspace restrictions issued in parts of the Gulf region amid heightened military activity.
District officials and travel operators in Maharashtra confirmed that the affected passengers are awaiting revised flight schedules after temporary suspensions and rescheduling of international services.
Major UAE Airports Face Disruptions
Air traffic disruptions were reported at major UAE aviation hubs, including Abu Dhabi International Airport and Sharjah International Airport, both key transit points for international travellers. Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest global transit hubs, also witnessed delays and cancellations as airlines adjusted routes in response to regional security advisories.
Passengers scheduled to return to India reported uncertainty over departure timings, with several flights either postponed or cancelled at short notice.
Travellers From Multiple Maharashtra Districts Affected
Preliminary information from district administrations and travel agencies indicates that passengers from Pune, Thane, Sangli, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar, Latur, Washim and Parbhani are among those impacted.
The largest group includes MBA students from a Pune-based management institute, as well as senior citizens from Pimpri-Chinchwad who were on a guided tour. Representatives of a Pune travel company said around 50 of their clients are currently accommodated in hotels while awaiting confirmation of alternative flights.
Travel operators stated that the figure of over 250 stranded travellers is based on consolidated inputs received from local coordinators and booking records.
Impact Reaches Mumbai Airport
The ripple effect was also felt at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai’s primary international gateway. Airport sources and airline officials indicated that over 100 flights were cancelled across two days, including long-haul services to destinations in Europe and North America.
Travel agencies reported a sharp surge in ticket prices on available alternative routes, citing limited seat availability and high demand. Airlines have said they are monitoring the evolving security situation and will restore normal schedules once aviation authorities provide clearances.
State Government Steps In
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde personally reached out to some of the stranded travellers via video call. During the interaction, he enquired about their safety and assured them that the state government is coordinating with central authorities and Indian diplomatic officials in the UAE.
Shinde stated that accommodation and necessary assistance would continue until flight services resume. His office confirmed that regular communication is being maintained with affected families in Maharashtra.
Indian Consulate Advisory and Next Steps
Officials indicated that the Indian Consulate in Dubai has advised citizens to remain in contact with airlines and monitor official updates. Travellers have also been encouraged to register with consular services for assistance if required.
Sources said discussions are underway regarding the possibility of special arrangements or additional flights should disruptions persist, though no formal evacuation plan has been announced.
While most stranded passengers have confirmed they are safe, uncertainty over revised schedules continues to cause concern among families back home.
Authorities said updates will be shared as flight operations stabilise.
