Vadodara/Ahmedabad: As the Iran–US–Israel conflict entered its fourth day on Tuesday, Gujaratis travelling through Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, as well as Kuwait and Qatar, continued to await their safe return amid widespread flight disruptions and limited evacuation options.Since the conflict began, airspace closures and cancellations have stranded many travellers at transit hubs and hotels as they wait for flights home. In Anand district — one of Gujarat’s NRI-dominated regions — travellers and their families have been seeking assistance through a helpline started two days ago by Anand MP Mitesh Patel alias Bakabhai. Patel said on Tuesday that the helpline has already received calls from more than 300 travellers requesting support and updates on their return. “The govt of India is making all efforts to ensure the safe return of our citizens. I am in continual touch with the authorities concerned and am monitoring the situation closely,” he said. Although a limited number of evacuation flights have resumed and some Gulf airlines have restarted services from hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, capacity remains restricted, leaving many facing long waits. Several travellers had planned short family or business trips before tensions escalated. Snehal Dhanwani, a businessman from Ahmedabad stranded in Dubai, said, “I run a consulting company and came to Dubai on Feb 23 for some business meetings. My return flight was scheduled for Saturday (Feb 28) but it got cancelled because airspace was shut. I returned to the hotel from the airport. The local govt is very supportive and we are safe. I hope flights will start soon and I will be able to return to Ahmedabad soon.” Vishal Chhawchharia said his brother Vikash and sister-in-law Suman are waiting for normal flight operations to resume. “We have an IT company office in Dubai and my nephew handles it. My brother and sister-in-law went to Dubai a week ago to meet their son. Their flight was cancelled. They are safe there and the govt there has supported all visitors.” In Vadodara district, a helpline set up by Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi had received 113 calls from 278 travellers by Monday evening. Travellers described an uneasy calm on Tuesday, with many businesses functioning remotely and schools shifting fully to online classes. With commercial flight operations still limited, stranded passengers continue to track airline announcements and govt updates as they wait for clarity on their return.
