NEW DELHI: An Indian national returning to India from Dubai on one of the first flights to resume air travel has described tense nights, emergency alerts and uncertainty as conflicts in the Middle East disrupt travel in the Gulf. Saumya Khandelwal, who traveled to Dubai on business, said she experienced missile sirens and saw debris during the escalation of hostilities between Iran, the United States and Israel.
“I saw the missiles, and we saw the debris. And then we also saw, in the middle of the night, the government that sent us there also got an alarm, the alarm went off, telling us to go to shelters or to the basements of hotels,” she said. “It was 12:13 at night and suddenly our phones went off with a huge alarm and we had to rush to the basement.”
Khandelwal arrived in Dubai on Wednesday and was due to return to India on Saturday, but her plans were disrupted due to airspace restrictions imposed due to rising tensions in the region. “I went on Wednesday and was supposed to come back on Saturday. In the afternoon we learned that the space was closed,” she said. As the situation develops, authorities are asking travelers to stay indoors. “The authorities asked us to stay in the hotel and not roam the streets. We are in the hotel. The situation there is very scary. We are very nervous.” Despite the uncertainty, she said local authorities and residents had offered support to stranded travelers. “The government is very cooperative and the people there are very welcoming. Everyone around was fully cooperative. They opened their homes to the people there. “ The Indian Embassy in the UAE has also remained in touch with citizens during the crisis. “We’ve had a lot of calls, if you need any help, if we need any help, any type of help, they’re here to help,” she said. “I received about two or three calls from the Indian embassy.” Sirens and missile sirens created an atmosphere of fear, she said. “I’m so scared I don’t think I’ll be able to move out of the UAE for at least the next two to three weeks.” Her family in India is also feeling anxious as events unfold. “It was just a four-day work trip and no one expected something like this to happen in the UAE.” Khandelwal said daily life in Dubai was largely panic-free, although tensions remained high. “On Monday, the city was functioning normally. People were on the road, doing their daily chores. The grocery store is open. “ “There was no panic at all, that’s the best part. The taxis ran smoothly, the hotel ran smoothly.” She also said hotels and airlines have avoided raising prices during the crisis. “You’ll be happy to know there’s no surge pricing. Our prices have remained the same for the past four days.” “Emirates didn’t even raise a penny. I came back at a very nominal price.” Residents and businesses have also stepped up to help stranded travelers, especially during Ramadan. “People were handing out food there because it was Ramadan. They didn’t want to ruin the festive atmosphere of the place.” “Some companies open houses for free. Anyone who wants to come can stay and stay peacefully until flights resume.” When flights finally resumed, Khandelwal managed to find a seat on the Emirates flight and rushed to the airport. “As soon as Emirates takes off, I have 15 minutes. I have to be at the airport by 6:30.” Passengers remained anxious until the plane finally took off. “Our flight was stuck on the runway for about 45 minutes and I was just waiting for God willing, the flight had to take off.” After taking off, the cabin suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. “Everyone on the plane was yelling and calling their families when they landed. It was a very happy atmosphere. I almost cried that time. “ Khandelwal also dismissed reports of a large-scale attack in downtown Dubai. “I myself am in downtown Dubai. I am in Business Bay, which is one of the most crowded areas.” “There were no explosions around. The explosions mainly occurred on the airport side and also on the coast side.” Looking back on the experience, she said calmness and faith helped her get through tense situations. “My main takeaway is please have faith in God because that keeps me going.” She also expressed confidence that authorities would continue to assist Indians in the Gulf region. “The government has been very, very cooperative. If you have any questions, you can talk to the people around you and they’re all calm.” “I am sure that our relationship with the UAE government is very good and they will rescue Indians who are in trouble.” Despite her ordeal, Khandelwal said she plans to return to the UAE once the situation stabilizes. “As soon as the matter is resolved, I will return to work in the UAE.”
