West Asia crisis: Indians stranded in Abu Dhabi returned to Bengaluru, relieved after coming back to their country.

Bengaluru. Indian passengers stranded in Abu Dhabi due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia reached Kempegowda International Airport here on Monday night with relief visible on their faces. The passengers said that they were going through a stressful environment amid the fear of missile attack in the Gulf country. On returning home safely, he expressed gratitude to Etihad Airways, Government of Abu Dhabi and Government of India. Who arranged for their stay and transportation during the disruption.

Saurabh Shetty from Mangaluru is working in an oil company in Abu Dhabi. He described the situation as worrying and scary. He said that when we reached the flight on February 28, everything seemed normal, but suddenly an alarm went off near the screening room and passengers were asked to sit away from the windows. According to Shetty, “Someone said there was going to be a missile attack. We were shocked. We thought Abu Dhabi was the safest city. Later, when we looked outside, we saw a missile in the sky. We never thought that something like this could happen here.” Describing it as a “life-changing moment”, he said, “When you see a missile in front of you, it feels like it could fall on you at any moment… From my room in the hotel, I could see the missiles hitting the sky.

At that time I realized the challenges of the Indian Army. We are proud of them.” He expressed condolences to those who lost their lives in the attacks. He said, “We survived and came back. If even a single missile had fallen, we would not have come here. We all wanted to see our families.” Mahesh, who came from Boston, praised the airline’s arrangements. He said that a flight had arrived from Abu Dhabi and the service arrangement was satisfactory. He said, “We were accommodated in a good hotel and food was arranged. Currently there is limited airspace available and around 15 to 16 flights have been operated.” Ramya, a resident of Bengaluru, had visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

He said his return flight was earlier cancelled, but an alternative flight was arranged on March 2. “The situation appears to be calm now, but the airspace was closed as a precautionary measure,” he said. Niruban from Coimbatore said there was a slight delay due to drone activity, but the return journey was smooth. He said the Abu Dhabi administration ensured everyone’s safety by arranging hotels and transportation within four-five hours. Prasad, a software professional from Bengaluru, said that Abu Dhabi was relatively stable, but the atmosphere remained tense. “Explosions were heard and some debris was reported to have fallen near the airport,” he said.

Authorities provided free accommodation and coordinated with Indian authorities.” Girimallappa Kerur of Bagalkot district was on a business trip to Paris. He said about 15 missiles were reported to have been shot down in mid-air. He decided to cancel his onward journey and return to Bengaluru. “I am relieved to return home safely.”