Indian passengers stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during recent missile alerts and airspace disruptions have finally returned home, landing safely at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Monday night.
Several travellers described the tense situation in Abu Dhabi, where missile alerts and sudden flight cancellations created panic among passengers.
Passengers recall frightening moments
Saurabh Shetty, a native of Mangaluru working for an oil company in Abu Dhabi, described the experience as deeply unsettling.
“When I came to catch my flight on February 28, everything seemed normal. Suddenly, near the check-in area, an alarm sounded and we were asked to sit down and stay away from the windows because of a missile threat,” he said.
Shetty recalled seeing a missile in the sky and witnessing interception attempts.
“When you see a missile in front of you, you feel it may hit at any moment. From my hotel room, I could see interceptions happening in the sky. At that moment, I realised what soldiers face during conflicts. We have great respect for the Indian Army,” he added.
Flights disrupted amid regional tensions
The missile alerts and heightened security led to temporary airspace closures and flight cancellations across parts of the UAE.
Passengers said they spent several anxious hours waiting for updates while airlines and authorities coordinated evacuation and accommodation.
Despite the disruptions, travellers praised the efforts of Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi government, and the Indian government for ensuring their safety.
Authorities arranged accommodation and transport
Mahesh, a traveller returning from Boston, said airline staff provided proper arrangements for stranded passengers.
“They arranged hotels and food for us. The service was good. Around 15 to 16 flights are operating now, though only partial airspace is available,” he said.
Ramya, a Bengaluru resident who had travelled to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, said her return flight was initially cancelled but later rescheduled.
“Etihad arranged another flight for us on March 2. The situation now seems calmer, but as a precaution only limited flights are operating,” she said.
Relief on reaching home
Other passengers said they heard explosions and missile interceptions during the tense period.
Girimalappa Kerur, originally from Bagalkot district, said he cancelled his onward business trip to Paris after the situation worsened.
“We could hear explosions and were told that several missiles were intercepted. Etihad arranged a safe hotel away from the airport. I decided to return to Bengaluru. I’m relieved to be back,” he said.
Travellers expressed gratitude for the support provided by authorities and said they were thankful to return safely to their families after the frightening experience.