NewKerala.com

Panic in UAE Over Drone Attacks; Delhi Flights Delayed Amid Mideast Strikes

Passengers returning from Dubai recount panic caused by drone attacks and sirens, while another from Muscat reports normalcy. Delhi International Airport has issued an advisory noting delays for several westbound flights due to the political situation in the Middle East. Indian authorities and airlines are monitoring the airspace closely, making schedule adjustments and alternative routings to avoid restricted zones. The disruptions follow US-Israeli strikes in Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the region, widening the conflict.

Key Points: Mideast Tensions Cause Flight Delays, Passenger Panic

  • Drone attacks cause panic in UAE
  • Westbound flights from Delhi delayed
  • India monitoring airspace, adjusting routes
  • Iran retaliates with missiles after strikes
  • Airlines advise passengers to check schedules
2 min read

Passengers recount panic in Middle-East amid attacks; Westbound flights from Delhi delayed, DIAL issues advisory

Drone attacks in UAE cause panic, Delhi westbound flights delayed. India monitors airspace as Iran retaliates for strikes. Passenger accounts inside.

"There were drone attacks. Sirens went off... the sound caused a lot of panic - Sanjeev"

New Delhi, March 3

Amid escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East, passengers travelling on international routes have reported disruptions and heightened security measures, while airlines continue to monitor the situation closely.

Sanjeev, who recently returned from Dubai, said the situation there had created panic among residents.

"There were drone attacks. Sirens went off. Anti-drone missiles fired by the UAE authorities destroyed them, and the sound caused a lot of panic, as everyone was experiencing it for the first time... In India, because we had recently experienced Operation Sindoor, we probably weren't as scared...," he noted.

Mohammad Idris, who came from Muscat, Oman, said, "The atmosphere there is similar to Delhi. The situation there is very good. There was no advisory; everything is fine there."

Meanwhile, several westbound international flights from the IGI Airport were delayed amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said.

Delhi Airport issued an update on social media platform X, stating, "Due to the ongoing political situation in the Middle East, several westbound international flights are causing delays or schedule adjustments. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight updates with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport."

India is closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation in parts of the Middle East and its impact on international flight operations.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian carriers have undertaken calibrated adjustments to their schedules, with long-haul and ultra-long-haul operations being progressively resumed through alternative routings that avoid restricted airspace. Special arrangements are being made to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers.

The US and Israeli strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities.

In response, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, further widening the conflict in West Asia and heightening risks for civilians and expatriates alike.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is why we need stronger regional alliances. Our Gulf partners are crucial for energy and our diaspora's livelihood. The instability there directly hits Indian families and our economy. Time for proactive diplomacy.
D
David E
Respectfully, the article seems to present two very different passenger experiences without much context. One reports panic and attacks, another says everything is fine. Which is it? More clarity would help.
A
Aditya G
Operation Sindoor reference hits home. We've faced our share of tensions, so perhaps we're more resilient. But hearing sirens in a foreign land must be terrifying. Kudos to DIAL for the timely advisories. Travelers, please check your flight status!
S
Sarah B
The ripple effects are global. My team's project timeline is disrupted because a key member is stranded. It's a stark reminder of how interconnected our world is. Hoping for a swift de-escalation.
K
Karthik V
So many Indian professionals and workers in the Gulf. Their safety is paramount. The MEA helpline should be widely publicized. Airlines rerouting flights is the right move, even if it causes delays. Safety first.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50