80 Pune Students Stranded in Dubai as Israel-Iran Tensions Disrupt Gulf Air Traffic

Pune, 1st March 2026: Escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran have led to the temporary suspension of air traffic across several Gulf countries, leaving hundreds of Indian nationals stranded in Dubai. Among them are around 80 students from Pune who are currently awaiting clearance for their return as flight operations remain disrupted.

The worsening security situation in the Middle East has directly impacted international aviation, with several air corridors shut as a precautionary measure. As a result, multiple international flights have been cancelled at short notice. Indian citizens who had travelled to Dubai for tourism, employment, business and family reasons are now stuck despite having confirmed return tickets.

Passengers whose flights were cancelled unexpectedly have been forced to extend their stay at airports or hotels, while uncertainty continues over the resumption of normal air services. Officials at the Indian Embassy in Dubai are in touch with stranded Indian nationals and are monitoring the situation closely.

Speaking about the stranded students, Dr Tarita Shankar, Chairperson of Indira Group of Institutes, said that students from the institute’s School of Business have been visiting Dubai annually for academic study tours for the past 15 years. “This year, 80 first-year MBA students travelled to Dubai as part of their study tour. Their return journey was scheduled in two phases, with groups of 40 students expected to return on Saturday and Sunday night. However, due to the suspension of air traffic, they are currently stranded in Dubai,” she said.

Dr Tarita added that all the students are staying in central Dubai and are safe. “We are in constant touch with the students as well as officials at the Indian Embassy in Dubai. Once air services resume, the students will return to India. If the situation persists, alternative arrangements will be made in coordination with the embassy to bring them back at the earliest,” she said.

The group of students belongs to the School of Business at Indira Institute in Tathawade, Pune. While their academic tour has concluded, their return has been delayed solely due to the temporary closure of air routes in the Gulf region.

Authorities have advised travellers to remain in contact with airlines and follow official advisories as the regional situation continues to evolve.