A group of 50 residents from Karnataka, who were stranded in the UAE due to the ongoing regional tensions, have safely arrived in Delhi. The passengers landed on the morning of March 6 after facing travel uncertainties for several days. These individuals were stuck following the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, which has severely impacted flight operations in the Gulf region. They boarded a flight from Fujairah, an alternative route used because of disruptions at major hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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What arrangements were made at Delhi Airport?
Upon their arrival at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the passengers were received by the Karnataka government’s protocol team. The officials ensured that the group was taken care of immediately after their long journey.
- Food and Refreshments: The state government provided breakfast and water to all 50 passengers upon landing.
- Airport Transfer: Arrangements were made to transport the passengers from the international terminal to the domestic terminal.
- Onward Travel: The officials organized their further travel to their hometowns. Flights and logistics were managed to send them to Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi.
How is the government managing the crisis?
The Karnataka State Government has been actively monitoring the situation through the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). They are tracking approximately 109 to 200 Kannadigas who are currently in the affected region. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda confirmed that the state is in daily contact with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safety of its citizens. The state has also announced that it will bear the hotel expenses for stranded Kannadigas in West Asia and reimburse costs where necessary.
Why are flights being disrupted?
The conflict between Iran and Israel has led to airspace closures and significant changes in flight paths. Since February 28, many flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been cancelled or delayed, leaving passengers with few options. Ticket prices have also soared due to the high demand and limited availability. The passengers who arrived in Delhi expressed relief after being stuck for nearly a week. While partial operations have resumed in some Gulf airports, cancellations continue to affect routes to Bengaluru and Mangaluru.
