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Foreign Tourists Stranded at Bengaluru Airport as Middle East Flights Canceled

Several foreign nationals are stranded at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru as flights to the Middle East are canceled due to the ongoing West Asian conflict. Passengers complain of a complete lack of information from airlines and exorbitant prices for alternative flights, with one direct flight to Frankfurt quoted at 8,000 euros. The disruptions are widespread, with 107 air traffic movements also canceled at Mumbai Airport. Travelers are left waiting for solutions or refunds from their airlines and travel agencies with no clear resolution in sight.

Key Points: Flights Canceled, Foreign Nationals Stranded at Bengaluru Airport

  • Flights to Middle East canceled
  • Passengers stranded at Bengaluru airport
  • Alternative tickets are extremely expensive
  • Airlines provide little information
  • Mumbai Airport also sees major cancellations
3 min read

Foreign nationals stranded at Bengaluru airport as flights cancelled

Foreign tourists stranded at Bengaluru airport as Middle East flights are canceled due to West Asia conflict, facing high costs and no information.

"We have no information, no flight, and no updates. - German national"

Bengaluru, March 3

Several foreign nationals were stranded at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Tuesday as flights to the Middle East continued to be cancelled due to the ongoing West Asian conflict, with passengers complaining about lack of information and costly ticket prices for alternative flights.

A German national who is stuck at the airport said her flight from Bengaluru to Dubai and then to Dusseldorf, Germany, was cancelled because of the ongoing conflict.

"In the morning, we had a flight at 10:25 am from here to Dubai, and then from Dubai to Dusseldorf, Germany, but it was cancelled because of the war. We've been trying since yesterday to get a flight or any information from Emirates, but there's not much at all have nothing," the German national said.

She said she had been in India for three weeks visiting places like Bangalore, Mysore, Madikeri, National Park, Gokarna, Palolem, Panaji and Baga Beach.

"It's been a nice holiday until now. There haven't been any difficulties until now. The only difficulty we have now is that we have no information, no flight, and no updates. We saw only one flight yesterday, directly from here to Frankfurt, but it was for 8,000 euros, which is too expensive to pay. We're waiting here on the hotline; it's the only thing we can do," she added.

A Swiss national identified as Sirius said he is stuck at Bangalore airport while traveling to Geneva via Abu Dhabi after his flight got cancelled.

"I'm stuck at Bangalore airport. I'm going to Geneva, and I was supposed to first go to Abu Dhabi. My flight got cancelled, and now we don't have any information. It's a bit cloudy. They (flight administration) just said it was supposed to be rescheduled at first, but then it was purely cancelled. They were apologizing but not giving me any real solutions," Sirius said.

He added that he is waiting for his travel agency to find solutions or provide a refund, noting that booking alternative tickets is difficult as they are really expensive due to all the flights being cancelled.

"Right now, I'm just waiting for my travel agency to get in touch with me to find solutions or a refund. And it's also difficult because if I want to get a refund and book another ticket, they are really expensive due to all the flights being cancelled," he said.

The flight disruptions continue to affect thousands of passengers across India as the West Asia crisis escalates, with airlines suspending operations and alternative flights commanding premium prices.

Meanwhile, a total of 107 air traffic movements (ATMs) were cancelled at Mumbai Airport as well, on March 3, including 54 arrivals and 53 departures.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's a global issue due to the conflict, but airlines like Emirates have a responsibility. They should provide proper updates and alternative arrangements, not just apologies. 8,000 euros for a ticket is daylight robbery! Shameful.
A
Aman W
Feel bad for them, but this is the reality of air travel during geopolitical tensions. Indian passengers face similar issues abroad sometimes. Airlines need better crisis protocols. On a lighter note, at least the German tourist saw some amazing places in India!
S
Sarah B
I was in a similar situation in Delhi last year. The lack of clear communication from airlines is the worst part. The government should step in and regulate these surge prices during such emergencies. It's exploitative.
V
Vikram M
Our hospitality should extend to situations like these. Can't the airport management arrange some basic amenities, temporary accommodation, or at least a dedicated information counter? It would make a huge difference to their experience.
K
Karthik V
While I sympathize, this is a respectful criticism. The article only quotes foreign nationals. Many Indian passengers, especially migrant workers traveling to the Gulf, are also severely affected by these cancellations. Their stories are equally, if not more, important to highlight.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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