Ranchi: The West Asia conflict has cast a shadow over Eid celebrations for several families in the city, as relatives working in the region are unable to return home due to flight regulations and rise in airfares, forcing them to alter plans.With Eid likely to be celebrated around March 20, many families said uncertainty over flights and safety has disrupted long-standing plans. Mohammed Tarique, a builder based in Hinoo, said his brother Mohammed Ali Raju, who has been working in Dubai for the past 15 years, will miss Eid at home for the first time. “My brother and his family are not able to come this time for Eid. This is the time when the entire family gathers at home. The children are stressed and disappointed. Flight tickets are not available, and even if they are, the situation is uncertain. He has never missed Eid with us before,” he said Similar concerns were echoed by Mohammed Kalim, whose brother Mohammed Salim also works in Dubai, while the family lives in Ranchi. “My brother is not able to plan any visit for Eid as flights are getting cancelled repeatedly. He had booked tickets, but they keep getting cancelled, and now there is no certainty of travel,” Kalim said “Only a couple of airlines are operating and fares have become unaffordable. At this point, it doesn’t look like he will be able to come home,” he added Families said the situation has left them anxious, as they struggle to stay connected virtually during what is traditionally a time of togetherness. Many are now hoping for a de-escalation in the coming weeks so that travel normalises before Bakrid, allowing families to reunite.
