Indians Stranded in Dubai, Tehran as Flights Halt

It is a matter of bad timing and fate in the case of 84 MBA students from Pune’s Indira University who were on a study tour in Dubai. Their return flight was scheduled for February 28 and March 1 but with bombing even in Dubai, the airport is shut for an indefinite period leaving passengers stranded. In Iran, there are more than 2000 Indian students studying medicine, out of which 1200 are from Jammu and Kashmir. Most are enrolled in medical programmes at institutions like the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, ShahidBeheshti University, and Islamic Azad University.

Speaking to Metro India, Krishnaveni a resident of Kukatpally who lives in Dubai for six months of the year and is presently in the Emirates said that Dubai is witnessing tremors due to frequent bombing. Similarly, another Hyderabadi Ahmed who works in an automobile firm in Dubai said that several Indians are worried especially those whose tickets are booked and are waiting to return to India. 

Many medical students from Jammu and Kashmir are stranded in Tehran. 900 have returned to India but nearly 1,100 students are standed  In the meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking immediate intervention.

Owaisi condemns US, Israel attacks on Iran

Condemning the attacks launched on Iran by the US and Israel, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday termed the "assassination" of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an "immoral and unlawful act." The Hyderabad MP said the attacks on Iran must stop immediately to prevent regional instability, noting that 10 million Indians work in the region. In a post on X, Owaisi said: "Trump-Israel’s attacks on Iran are absolutely condemnable. This, especially when Iran-US talks were going on in Geneva. 

More than 200 people have been killed across Iran, including 108 who were killed when strikes hit a girls' school. Ayatollah Khamenei’s assassination is an immoral and unlawful act. My sincere condolences." The AIMIM chief further said Israel’s attack on Iran and Pakistan’s on Afghanistan shows that Israel and Pakistan are forces of "aggression and mischief" in their respective neighbourhoods. Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States. The United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump calling on the Iranian public to seize control of their destiny and rise up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled their country since 1979.

Ready to bring back Telugu people: Revanth

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday advised Telugu people living in Iran and Gulf countries to remain highly alert and said the state government would coordinate with the Centre to bring back Telugu people if necessary. In light of reports that war is ongoing, he urged them to strictly follow all safety guidelines and regularly follow the advisories and warnings issued by Indian embassies in those countries, an official release said. “The Chief Minister stated that, in case of any emergencies, the state government would coordinate with the Central government to safely bring back Telugu people, if necessary,” it said.

He further said the Telangana government is continuously monitoring the situation of Telangana residents living in Iran and other Gulf nations. Reddy directed officials to stay alert and be prepared to take appropriate measures in coordination with the Central Government if required.

He also instructed them to stay in touch with the Indian embassies and consulates in those countries. The Chief Minister emphasised that the safety of Telangana people is the state government’s top priority and expressed his hope that everyone remains safe, the release added.

23 flights from Shamshabad airport cancelled

Airlines are currently halting their operations due to the escalating military tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. As a result of security concerns, they are altering or canceling flight routes, with the primary impact felt on services operating from Hyderabad Airport to Gulf and Arab nations. A total of 23 flights from Shamshabad Airport to various international destinations have been canceled. Similarly, 21 flights arriving in Hyderabad from different countries have also been terminated. Notable cancellations include flights to Dubai, Doha (Qatar), Kuwait, Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Muscat.

The sudden cancellation of flights has resulted in significant disruption at Shamshabad Airport. Passengers scheduled to travel to other countries are expressing anxiety over potential missed connections, while individuals arriving from distant locations are being left stranded at the airport. 

Although some airlines are providing options for ticket refunds or rescheduling, the timeline for the resumption of services remains uncertain amid the prevailing conflict.

The alterations in flight routes are a direct consequence of the instability in the region. Airports in Iran and Israel have either been closed or deemed unsafe, requiring airlines to take longer detours, which have extended flight durations by approximately 2 to 3 hours. It is anticipated that these longer routes will lead to increased fuel expenses and higher ticket prices.

Currently, the situation in both Iran and Israel is fraught with tension. Advisories suggest that travelers intending to fly to Gulf nations should only proceed to the airport after obtaining formal communication from their respective airlines.