What began as a dream honeymoon for a young couple from Ranchi has turned into a nightmare due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Atul Oraon, an officer with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and his wife, Dr. Kanchan Bada, jetted off to Dubai on February 27, 2026, just days after their traditional tribal wedding on February 22. Their return flight scheduled for March 4 was canceled amid rising military conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran, leaving them trapped in the UAE.
Dubai International Airport has suspended flights to India and several other destinations for security reasons. Hotels and public spaces are under strict movement restrictions as thousands of travelers from around the world, including many Indians, find themselves stuck. The couple, now enduring days of uncertainty, released a heartfelt video plea directly to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging immediate intervention.
In a phone interview from their hotel room, Atul shared the growing anxiety. ‘We came here to create beautiful memories, but now all we want is to get back home safely,’ he said. Dr. Kanchan added that the eerie silence and constant news updates are taking a heavy toll on their mental well-being. Back in Ranchi, the family’s wedding celebrations have given way to worry, with relatives pressing the state government to coordinate with India’s embassy in UAE for rescue efforts.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of travelers caught in international flashpoints. The family emphasizes that their case is not isolated—hundreds of Jharkhand residents are among those stranded. They call for a special evacuation flight or rescue operation through central government channels. As tensions simmer, the couple clings to hope that swift governmental action will bring them home, turning their ordeal into a tale of survival rather than tragedy.