Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has become a hub for weary travelers returning from the Gulf amid escalating regional tensions. As flight operations slowly resume following temporary airspace closures in the Middle East, passengers arriving from Dubai and Abu Dhabi shared harrowing tales of rerouted journeys, prolonged layovers, and underlying anxiety despite outward normalcy in those cities.
One traveler from Abu Dhabi recounted the coordinated efforts that enabled his group’s safe return. ‘I want to thank Air India and their entire leadership team for their hard work in bringing us back,’ he said. ‘We were a group of 580 people from our company, and everyone is on their way; they’re all on the flight now. The airspace there was closed, but we made it here anyway.’
Another passenger, who had been in Dubai on business, described taking a detour through Muscat, Oman. ‘I had to reroute my trip via Muscat to get to Mumbai,’ he explained. ‘Right now, Muscat is the only way out, and it takes about 12 hours to exit from there. Anyone stuck in Dubai should consider the Muscat route to reach India.’
Travelers painted a picture of deceptive calm in the Gulf hubs. ‘Conditions in Muscat are normal—very peaceful,’ noted one arrival. ‘But it’s unsettling because the situation could escalate into war at any moment.’ This sentiment echoed across interviews, highlighting the tension beneath the surface.
Airport operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were scaling up cautiously. ‘The journey was fine. The airport is running on a limited basis,’ said a recent Dubai arrival. ‘They’re letting people in with their flight tickets. Dubai resumed operations today, while Abu Dhabi started yesterday.’
Safety measures impressed many. A passenger praised Dubai’s defense systems: ‘Dubai was great. Their defense system worked excellently. We felt very safe despite hearing some noises. The people there were incredibly helpful in every way.’
Residents from Maharashtra’s Ichalkaranji expressed mixed feelings. ‘Dubai is a highly developed country and a great place,’ one said upon landing. ‘It looked fantastic at first glance, but we ended up witnessing those explosions. Once you visit, you’ll understand what Dubai is really like.’
Relief mingled with caution as families reunited. ‘I’m thrilled to be back with my family,’ shared another who arrived on February 24. An Omani transit passenger added, ‘I’m grateful to the Omani people. We’re just praying for peace.’
With uncertainties lingering in the region, many opted for early returns, prioritizing safety over extended stays. Mumbai airport staff reported a steady influx of such prudent travelers, underscoring the human cost of geopolitical friction.