Gulf NRIs cancel Eid travel plans amid Iran–US–Israel conflict

Flight disruptions and soaring airfares due to the Iran–US–Israel conflict have forced many NRIs in Gulf countries to cancel Eid travel plans to Hyderabad. Uncertainty and safety concerns have led to reduced travel and alternative arrangements.

Hyderabad: With the Iran – US – Israel conflict continuing to disrupt flights, several Non-Resident Indians staying in Gulf countries have dropped their plans to visit Hyderabad for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.

The Gulf countries provide livelihood opportunities to several lakh people from Telangana who work in various positions across different sectors and make it a point to reunite with their families for Eid-ul-Fitr, an important festival in Islamic calendar.

---

Nevertheless, the current volatile situation with uncertainties over the flight schedules and frequent cancellations dissuaded many from visiting India for Eid celebrations.

“The airfares have surged between 300 and 400 per cent and there is also no guarantee we will fly after booking a ticket. So I dropped the idea of visiting home this year,” Faisal Khan, who works with a construction company in Riyadh, told ‘Telangana Today’.

A two-way ticket during a festive season almost doubles due to high demand and rush of Umrah pilgrimage. “Usually, people book a ticket with a transit halt at Bahrain or Dubai. In current situation, people are not willing to take the risk and many are adopting a wait-and-watch policy,” said Mohd Rafathullah, a civil engineer.

Those working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and other Gulf countries have no option but to stay in safe zones following the on-and-off closure of airspace. Most have dropped their plans to visit home, fearing a full-fledged war breaking out and leaving them stranded back in India.

Syed Majid Ahmed and Asif Khan, who work in Dubai, said they dropped the idea owing to the disruption of flights and prevailing scenario. “We will be celebrating the Eid with our office colleagues who are from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and different parts of India. Due to the current situation, they dropped their plans to visit their native place,” said Majid Ahmed.

Mirza Faizullah Baig, CEO of a travel company, said families facing emergencies and stuck in Dubai, Bahrain, and other affected cities are opting for car travel to reach safe cities in Saudi Arabia. “After reaching Saudi Arabia, they are buying tickets at super high prices and travelling to India. Many people had returned to the country in last couple of weeks,” he explained.