Bhubaneswar: The escalating conflict in West Asia has begun to directly affect air travel from Odisha, with flights between Bhubaneswar and Dubai facing cancellations due to widespread airspace closures in the region.
Airline IndiGo has cancelled its Bhubaneswar–Dubai flights scheduled for Monday and Wednesday, following restrictions on several air routes across West Asia after recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting sites in Iran. Authorities confirmed that a decision regarding the Friday flight will be taken after assessing the evolving situation.
According to Biju Patnaik International Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan, passengers were informed in advance about the cancellations. The airline normally operates the route three times a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Families from Odisha Stranded
The impact has already reached families in the state. Saptagiri Ulaka, Member of Parliament from Koraput, said on social media that his younger brother Sadasiva Ulaka, sister-in-law Ananya Ulaka, and niece Samantha Ulaka are currently stranded in Dubai and require assistance to return to India. He appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for help.
Government Response
The Consulate General of India, Dubai responded that it is working with local authorities and airlines to support affected passengers and urged Indian nationals in the UAE to follow official advisories issued by the mission.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is monitoring the situation in West Asia on a daily basis, assessing flight operations and safety conditions as tensions in the region continue.
Authorities have advised Indian citizens currently in the United Arab Emirates to stay updated through official announcements from the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai for travel assistance and safety guidance.
-OdishaAge
