Around 260 people from Maharashtra are stranded in the Middle East due to airspace closures triggered by the Iran conflict, though all are reported safe, news agency PTI reported, quoting officials on Monday. Figures from additional areas across the state are still being collected.
Among those stranded in Dubai is Congress’ Jalna Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Kalyan Kale, who had travelled on Friday, a day before the joint US-Israel strike on Iran, his brother Jagannath Kale said.
The MP was scheduled to return via Abu Dhabi on Tuesday but is now stuck in Dubai due to flight cancellations, PTI reported.
“He is safe and there is nothing to worry,” Jagannath Kale added.
Nine other tourists from Jalna are also stranded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the two largest business hubs of the United Arab Emirates, PTI reported, quoting officials.
From Pune, 84 students and four professors of Indira Institute of School of Business in Pimpri Chinchwad, who had reached Dubai for the ‘Global Immersion Programme,’ remain stranded, along with 10 tourists from Ganesh Peth, an official added.
US, Israel strike Iran: 61 people from Marathwada are stuck in Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi
A total of 61 people from Marathwada are stuck in Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi due to airspace closure following the US-Israel attack on Iran, a divisional official said. These include tourists, some working in the Gulf, and others holding resident visas.
“Details from Dharashiv district are yet to arrive. Nanded leads with 24 people, followed by 12 from Latur, 10 from Beed, six each from Parbhani and Jalna, two from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and one from Hingoli,” the official said.
In Thane, 23 tourists from Shahapur who had gone on a package tour and were scheduled to return on February 28 are now stranded after the conflict disrupted flights, authorities said. Similarly, 50 people from Solapur and 83 tourists from Kolhapur remain stranded in the Middle East, according to the local Tours and Travel Association. A student from Raigad studying at a management college in Dubai International Academic City and a businessman from Dhule are also stuck abroad.
Authorities in Thane and Palghar districts have activated mechanisms and issued advisories to assist those stranded in the Gulf, officials said. In statements, Thane Collector Shrikrishna Panchal and Palghar Collector Indu Rani Jakhar urged families of stranded residents to stay in contact with official channels and provide details to district disaster management cells for smooth coordination with Indian embassies.
Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Centre said on Monday that it is in touch with Indian missions in the Gulf to ensure the safe return of nationals. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed concern over the safety of the large Indian expatriate community in the region and directed all departments to take necessary measures to assist affected nationals.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf and is coordinating with Indian missions abroad.
Flights have been disrupted since Saturday after the joint US-Israel strike on Iran, which resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Following retaliatory attacks by Iran on US bases in several Gulf nations, airlines cancelled flights amid airspace closures.
(With PTI inputs)