‘Money Running Out’: Pune Women Among Indians Stranded in Dubai After Return Flights Cancelled

Pune, 4th March 2026: Indian citizens stranded in Dubai have alleged a lack of concrete assistance from authorities after their return flights were abruptly cancelled, leaving them stuck amid rising expenses and uncertainty.

“We are only receiving inquiry calls from the government; there is no actual help. Our money is running out, airlines are not giving clear answers, and hotel expenses are increasing. We don’t want sympathy — we need concrete steps to get us out of here,” said passengers who have been stranded in Dubai.

Anil Salunkhe from Thane, along with a group of six others, had travelled to Dubai on February 24. Their return flight was scheduled for March 3, but the flight was cancelled at the last minute, leaving them stranded. Despite standing in long queues at the airport for hours, passengers said they have not received any clear information, leading to growing frustration.

Salunkhe said they received an email about the flight cancellation just before departure. “We had booked tickets through a travel portal, but there has been no response from their customer care. We have to stand in line at the airline office for two hours at a time, only to be told that they have no information. Flights are being rescheduled, but those too are getting cancelled. There is no clarity on when we will finally reach home,” he said.

Saraswati Patil from Pune said their hotel bookings have ended and they are now paying out of pocket for extended stays. “Many of us are running out of foreign currency. The rulers of Abu Dhabi have announced free accommodation and food for stranded passengers there, but no such facility has been provided in Dubai. We are a group of ten women, most of them elderly. The government should arrange for our return,” she said.

Another stranded passenger, Sanket Fadtare, said the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs have only registered their names. “There is no arrangement for accommodation or food. Instead of just calling to check on us, the government should arrange special flights to bring us back safely or bear our expenses until then,” he said.

The stranded citizens remain in a state of uncertainty, hoping for a swift resolution to the prevailing situation so they can return home safely.