First Flight from Abu Dhabi Arrives in Bengaluru, Bringing Relief to Stranded Passengers Amid Regional Tensions
The first flight from Abu Dhabi touched down at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night, providing a much-needed respite to passengers who had been stranded for several days due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. This development marks a crucial step in resuming air travel for thousands of Indians caught in the UAE amidst the geopolitical unrest.
Passengers Describe Tense Scenes and Emotional Return
Passengers aboard the flight recounted harrowing experiences during the disruption. Speaking to news agency ANI, one traveler shared, "It was very scary. The airline shifted us to a hotel, and there were explosions around the hotel. Missiles were being intercepted and we could hear explosions all around. We are happy to be back in India." Another passenger praised the airline's efforts, stating, "Once we got stuck in the Abu Dhabi airport, Etihad Airways took good care of us. They booked the hotels for all the passengers whose flights were cancelled."
Flights Resume to Key Indian Cities
Thousands of Indians stranded in the UAE saw flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to India resume on Monday night, with services to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru among the first to restart. On board Emirates flight EK568 from Dubai to Bengaluru, the atmosphere was described as emotional and celebratory. An air hostess announced, "Welcome onboard this flight to Bengaluru. Yes, this is the first flight."
Sanjeev Mehta, a passenger on the Dubai-Bengaluru Emirates flight, expressed gratitude as the aircraft prepared to depart. "Thanks to the UAE authorities for starting the flights. We just boarded the flight to Bengaluru, India. This is one of the first few flights which have started," he told ANI. Mehta noted that passengers had little time to make arrangements, saying, "We were given a very short notice to book the tickets but we were able to book some tickets and rush to the airport. As of now, I am excited that I am going back home."
Partial Restart of Operations in Dubai
Dubai Airports confirmed a partial restart of operations, announcing that a limited number of flights would operate from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) from the evening of 2 March. Authorities advised passengers not to travel to the airports unless they had been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time, emphasizing the need for caution and coordination during this transitional period.
The resumption of flights comes amid heightened regional tensions, with reports of Israel attacking Iran, Iranian state media claiming a US fighter jet was downed in Kuwait, and explosions noted in Bahrain, Dubai, and Doha. Israel has also bombed Hezbollah targets in Beirut, while Gulf nations have vowed to defend themselves, adding to the complex geopolitical backdrop affecting air travel.
This development highlights the challenges faced by international travelers during conflicts and the critical role of airlines and authorities in ensuring safe evacuations. As more flights are expected to resume, passengers are urged to stay informed through official channels and exercise patience during the ongoing recovery efforts.
