Panic Erupts at Dubai Airport as Drone Attack Delays Flight with Indian Evacuees
A sudden loud blast minutes before boarding triggered widespread panic at Dubai International Airport on Monday, forcing authorities to halt a Delhi-bound flight carrying Indian students and pilgrims evacuated from war-torn Iran. The incident, caused by a drone strike hitting a fuel storage tank near the airport, led to a fire that was later contained by civil defence teams. This disruption forced airlines to delay or divert several flights as a precautionary measure, significantly impacting travel operations.
Flight Operations Suspended Amid Security Concerns
Authorities suspended operations at Dubai International Airport following the drone attack, which sparked fears of another potential assault. Passengers waiting near the gate were urgently rushed back inside the terminal as security protocols were activated. Labeeb Qadiri, a final-year MBBS student at Urmia University in Iran who was among those stranded, recounted the confusion: "They told us nothing had happened. But when we checked online, we saw reports of a drone attack nearby." This lack of immediate clarity added to the anxiety among travelers.
Stranded Passengers Face Prolonged Delays
Nearly 80 Indian students and pilgrims, most hailing from Kashmir, found themselves stuck at Dubai airport for several hours after the incident disrupted flight schedules. These individuals were part of the second batch of Indians leaving Iran amid the ongoing conflict, having traveled from Armenia to Dubai. The Flydubai flight FZ441, originally scheduled to land at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 9:55 AM on Monday, faced hours of uncertainty before finally departing late in the afternoon. It eventually landed in Delhi just after 10 PM, resulting in a delay of more than 12 hours.
Exhausting Journey from Conflict Zone
For many students, the delay in Dubai compounded an already grueling escape from Iran. Several had endured bus journeys lasting 9 to 19 hours to reach the Armenia border, after waiting days for visas. With transport options scarce, students had to independently arrange buses and hotel accommodations before flying out. Financial constraints posed additional challenges; those who could afford the sudden journey pooled money to assist others. Qadiri emphasized the solidarity: "Some didn't have the money at that moment. So, everyone contributed. We couldn't leave our friends behind to die."
Disrupted Travel Plans and Emotional Reunions
The prolonged delay in Dubai severely disrupted onward travel plans, with many students missing connecting flights from Delhi to Srinagar. Landing late at night also meant unexpected expenses for accommodations, as one student noted: "We may have to look for a hotel tonight or wait at the airport till morning for another flight. After everything we've been through, it's just another uncertainty." The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association appealed to authorities to arrange transport, preferably buses, from Delhi to Kashmir, citing the students' stressful journey from a conflict zone.
Upon landing in Delhi late Monday night, many students appeared visibly exhausted but relieved to be safely in India. Emotional reunions unfolded outside the arrivals gate, where families welcomed their loved ones with tears and flowers. One MBBS student, who requested anonymity, shared: "We reached Dubai on Sunday morning and were stuck there till Monday. We even heard explosions three times. It was very hard for us… we paid for everything ourselves."
Parental Concerns and Future Uncertainties
Among those anxiously waiting was Reema, mother of Adhfer Khan, a fourth-year MBBS student. She expressed deep concern over the repeated disruptions caused by regional conflicts: "These children keep needing to return due to the wars. It causes a lot of mental stress. I will not send my child back till things settle." For the students, however, the immediate priority remained straightforward, as one quietly stated after landing: "Bas, ghar pahunchna hai (Just want to reach home)."
