Bengaluru: Several Kannadigas who were stranded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi amid escalating tensions in the Middle East safely returned to Bengaluru, with emergency flight operations resuming after temporary suspension.
Among those who arrived was MLC Bhojegowda, who described the tense atmosphere in Dubai and raised concerns over what he termed as a delayed response from the Indian Embassy.
โEmbassy Response Was Not Immediateโ
Speaking to the media after landing in Bengaluru, Bhojegowda said the Indian Embassy did not initially reach out proactively to reassure stranded passengers.
โThe immediate duty of the Embassy was to respond quickly and instill confidence among Indian citizens. That did not happen in the way we expected,โ he said.
However, he acknowledged that the Dubai Government and Emirates Airlines took what he described as โbold decisionsโ by rerouting flights through longer routes and arranging multiple departures to evacuate stranded passengers.
Missile Sounds & War Anxiety
Bhojegowda recounted hearing loud explosions during his stay. He claimed that missile sounds were heard near key areas, including close to the Burj Khalifa vicinity, although no major structural damage was officially confirmed.
โThere was definitely a war-like atmosphere. Sirens were heard and tension was visible. Local residents were stocking essential supplies fearing prolonged instability,โ he said.
He added that Karnataka government officials, including Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and other ministers, contacted him and coordinated assistance.
Four Emergency Flights Operated
According to Bhojegowda, Dubai authorities rerouted flights through alternative corridors and operated at least four flights to facilitate the safe return of Indian nationals.
He stated that many passengers, including tourists and transit travelers, were temporarily stranded at airports due to missile threats and temporary airspace restrictions.
Returnees Describe Situation as โTough but Managedโ
Triveni, a native of Davanagere who was returning from Boston via Dubai, described the situation as tense but controlled.
โThe situation was tough, but authorities were mindful of civilian safety. Airlines provided accommodation, and operations were eventually restored in phases,โ she said.
She clarified that while missile threats led to flight suspensions, the airport itself was not directly damaged. โDubai remains largely safe and operations are under control,โ she added.
Flights Suspended Due to Missile Threat
Authorities had temporarily halted operations citing missile threats and airspace restrictions. Once deemed safe, phased flight operations resumed, prioritising routes including Bengaluru.
Several passengers said they had anticipated delays of up to a week but were relieved to return earlier than expected.
Continued Coordination
Karnataka government officials confirmed they had activated helplines and were in contact with central authorities to assist stranded residents.
With phased flight movements continuing, more Kannadigas are expected to return in the coming days.
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