Around 30 residents of Nagpur who travelled to several Middle-Eastern countries as tourists are currently stranded after flight schedules got disrupted due to the ongoing war in the region. Although flight services remain operational, several flights have been delayed or repeatedly rescheduled, creating uncertainty for travellers. So far, only five of the stranded passengers could safely return to the city. According to information shared by Anup Khande, Resident Deputy Collector, most of the affected travellers belong to areas such as Besa-Beltarodi and Bharat Nagar area among others in the city.

 

The group had travelled to the Middle East recently for short visits and tourism. He also asserted that, “District Administration is keeping a sharp eye on further developments and is working in sync with the State and Central Government to address the issue.” Of the total 30 citizens, fifteen were stranded in Dubai (UAE), eight at Abu Dhabi (UAE), four in Bahrain and three in Doha (Qatar),” informed Ankush Gawande, District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO). Gawande also added that all the passengers are safe but are facing difficulties in returning home due to frequent changes in flight schedules caused by the conflict in the region. Travellers have reportedly received multiple notifications regarding rescheduled departures as airlines continue to adjust timings and routes in view of security concerns.

 

The affected families are worried after knowing that some travellers from other States were reportedly stranded without food and basic supplies at the Kuwait airport for hours recently. Jazeera Airways had then come forward to show its humanitarian side by helping them with the supplies. Meanwhile, five members of the group have already returned to Nagpur after managing to board earlier rescheduled flights. The remaining travellers are in regular contact with their families and are waiting for confirmed flight schedules to return. The relatives in Nagpur have expressed concern over the delays and uncertainty, hoping that the situation stabilises soon so that the remaining citizens can return home safely.