PTI
Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Updated At : 05:32 PM Mar 03, 2026 IST
Whether transit passengers or families on holiday, travellers stranded in Dubai by the Middle East conflict recalled explosions and deserted roads during their wait to return home after the US-Israel attack on Iran escalated and Iran struck back at targets including in the UAE.
Several passengers expressed relief at their safe return on Tuesday and thanked the Central and state governments for the arrangements.
Shubha, a passenger from New York who was to return to Chennai on Sunday, described a “scary situation” in Dubai. “Coming back here is like a freedom. I am coming from New York. I had a layover in Dubai on Saturday. In the afternoon around 1 pm that day, they (Airline authorities) told that the Dubai air space has been closed,” she told reporters at the airport.
“Emirates Airlines and Dubai airport took care of us very well and immediately moved us to hotels. We were staying there in hotels. However, after reaching the hotel, we were told that some debris or something like a shrapnel fell at the Dubai airport causing some damage,” she recalled. “Scary situation prevailed during our stay as we could hear explosions every few hours. During nights we were able to see the missiles. Today, we are very happy to be back home, safe and alive,” she said.
Chennai resident Karthik, who travelled to Dubai with his family, said they left last Tuesday (February 24) and were to return on Saturday, but flights were halted when airspace closed. “We returned to the hotel on the same day and stayed there. We were able to hear sounds of missiles. Thankfully, we managed to get ticket for our journey today and came back to Chennai,” he said.
Another passenger, Syed Ali, recounted children crying on hearing the news at Dubai airport, and praised hotel authorities who accommodated many. “Nearly 20,000 people were seen standing in long queues and were sent to various hotels. We should thank both the Central and state governments for taking steps for our safe return,” Ali, from Nagoor in Tamil Nadu, said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had instructed the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare and Rehabilitation Department to ascertain the status of Tamils in Gulf countries. The state also set up a 24-hour control room at the Tamil Nadu House in Delhi to assist passengers.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, both allies of the ruling BJP at the Centre, urged the Union government to take appropriate steps for the safety of Tamils living in West Asian countries.
Nirav Modi, who was stranded in Dubai amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, along with his twins watches as his wife kisses her child at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India, March 3, 2026. Image credits/Reuters
