NEW DELHI: “I didn’t feel any relief, not even during the flight, until I finally landed in Delhi,” said Sunil Gupta, one of many passengers who returned home shaken, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran has disrupted travel and daily life, leaving many Indians stranded.
Gupta, who was returning from Dubai, said the uncertainty was overwhelming.
He said: “I was very worried because I had never faced such a situation before. Watching everything that was happening around the world made me anxious. All I wanted was to get home somehow and be with my family.”
Gupta said that even on the plane, he could not relax and kept thinking about the situation until he landed in Delhi.
Tensions escalated following the coordinated attack launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. The United States and Israel jointly launched military strikes on the Islamic State on Saturday. Iran responded by launching drones and missiles at Israel and US military facilities across the Gulf, as well as at the World Business Center in Dubai.
Arvind, a Noida resident who also returned from Dubai, said many people were stranded after flights were cancelled.
“People went there for a few days and could not afford the expenses. The stranded tourists are facing a serious financial burden. This is the biggest problem at the moment,” he said.
He said the flight he initially booked was cancelled, forcing him to stay for an additional four days.
He added: “During that period, we were hearing and seeing events around us. I personally saw explosions in the sky, but they were intercepted. Although the missiles were intercepted, seeing something like this raises fear.”
For some families, the suffering was much more personal.
Kunwar Shakeel Ahmed, the father of an Indian student studying in Iran, said the situation near his daughter’s hostel is frightening.
Ahmed said: “The sounds of explosions can be heard. Whatever missiles are fired fall very close to where they are staying. She told me that after a nearby explosion, parts of the ceiling and plaster of the hostel building fell. You can imagine what the girls are going through.”
He remembered what his daughter told him on the phone Tuesday morning. “She asked us to take care of ourselves and not worry too much, adding that we will meet again, God willing.”
“When your child talks like that, it shakes you inside. Think about the daughter or son you raised in your arms. How would you feel in such a situation?” he asked.
Another passenger, Suhail Ahmed, returning from Muscat, said delays and uncertainty at airports had worsened the situation.
He added: “There were long waiting periods and confusion. Families with children were suffering, and many people were short of money. At times like these, the authorities must ensure faster clearance and better arrangements for those trying to return.”
Several returnees said that in view of the crisis, special arrangements may be needed to repatriate stranded Indians as many of them face financial stress.
