Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has significantly impacted Indian travellers, particularly residents of Hyderabad. More than 24,400 Indians were stranded at Dubai International Airport following temporary disruptions linked to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to travel industry sources, nearly 2,000 of those stranded passengers are from Hyderabad. Many had travelled to Dubai for tourism, business, higher education, and medical purposes. The sudden disruption caused anxiety among families in the city.

Dubai Airport operations were restored on Monday night, and flights to major Indian cities including Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai resumed. However, a scheduled flight to Hyderabad was cancelled despite boarding passes being issued to passengers. Several travellers were reportedly shifted back to hotels after the cancellation.

Daily Passenger Movement Affected

Dubai remains one of the most popular international destinations for Hyderabad residents. Data indicates that 5,23,107 passengers travelled to Dubai from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Shamshabad) last year, with nearly 50–60% being tourists.

Currently, around five to six direct flights operate daily from Hyderabad to Dubai, along with up to 15 connecting services. On average, 1,400 to 1,500 passengers travel to Dubai each day. The recent tensions, however, have led to a sharp decline in outbound travel.

The city has approximately 1,801 travel agencies, including 123 major operators. Travel agents report that bookings to Dubai and other Gulf destinations have dropped significantly amid safety concerns.

Cancellations and Refund Requests Rise

Residents who had planned travel in March are now seeking cancellations and refunds. While some travel operators are offering rescheduling options, others are processing refunds based on airline policies. A few companies unable to provide immediate refunds are offering alternative travel packages or domestic tour options.

Travel industry representatives state that the Iran-Israel conflict has severely impacted international tourism, particularly in the Gulf region, leading to widespread uncertainty among travellers.