Published Mar 03, 2026 | 7:46 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 03, 2026 | 7:46 AM
People stranded at an airport in Dubai.
Synopsis: Amid the conflict between the US-Israel and Iran, thousands of Indians, including a significant number from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, are stranded in airports, hotels and residential areas. For the nearly 10 million-strong Indian diaspora in the Gulf, including a substantial Telugu population, the situation has been tense and uncertain.
The military confrontation between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other has triggered widespread disruption across the Middle East, leaving thousands of Indians, including a significant number from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, stranded in airports, hotels and residential areas.
For the nearly 10 million-strong Indian diaspora in the Gulf, including a substantial Telugu population, the situation has been tense and uncertain. Many initially appeared panicking as explosions lit up the skies and sirens wailed; in some areas now deemed relatively safer, that panic has given way to cautious vigilance.
However, uncertainty over flight resumptions and possible evacuation operations continues to cause distress. They are seeking help with SOS messages on the X and Facebook.
Among the most concerning cases are 47 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad who remain stranded in Saudi Arabia. In a Facebook post, Sayed Banu Sayeed from Hyderabad sought help from the state and AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi.
“We are running out of food, and we have no money. We need urgent help,” she said. She and others with her stated that they have food that would last only two days. They were provided with water and accommodation for two days, and afterwards they would be on the streets. Families in Hyderabad say they are deeply worried about the group’s safety as tensions in the region escalate and flights remain suspended. Similar disruptions have affected other Umrah groups transiting through Gulf hubs.
Hyderabad-born badminton champion PV Sindhu also found herself caught in the turmoil. En route to the All England Open, Sindhu was stranded at Dubai International Airport when missile interceptions and explosions were reported near the airport and the Palm Jumeirah area.
Describing the situation as “extremely tense and scary,” she said blasts occurred nearby, and her coach had to flee through smoke and debris amid confusion at the airport. Flights were suspended indefinitely. The Indian Embassy later assisted and confirmed her safety, but the episode underscored the vulnerability of civilians caught in retaliatory strikes.
Many residents from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh remain stranded in the UAE, including Dubai and Sharjah. Tourists, families and working professionals have reported seeing plumes of smoke in the distance, hearing sirens and receiving constant messages from anxious relatives back home.
While some areas have been declared comparatively safer, residents say advisories from embassies are being followed strictly, and many are avoiding unnecessary travel. Hotel stays have been extended in several cases, adding to financial strain.
The Andhra Pradesh government has also reported that natives of the state are facing similar challenges across Gulf countries. The situation is being monitored continuously, officials said.
There are additional concerns about Indian students in Iran, estimated at between 1,200 and 3,000, many of them medical students. Though specific confirmations about Telugu students remain limited, circulating videos show students reporting bomb blasts every 15 minutes, internet blackouts and the closure of universities and hospitals. Appeals for evacuation are growing louder on social media.
In response to the unfolding crisis, both the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have activated dedicated control rooms and helplines.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy urged Telugus in Iran and Gulf countries to remain alert and strictly follow advisories issued by Indian embassies. A 24×7 control room has been set up at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi to assist stranded individuals and their families facing distress or travel disruptions.
On behalf of Andhra Pradesh, NRI Empowerment Minister Kondapalli Srinivas appealed to residents not to panic, assuring that both the state and central governments are closely monitoring the situation. Control rooms have been established in districts such as Anantapur to provide assistance to families of those stranded in conflict-affected areas. Registration with Indian embassies has been strongly encouraged.
At the national level, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued advisories urging caution. Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India and Emirates, have announced waivers and refund options for affected passengers. Officials indicated that evacuation plans are being prepared, though implementation will depend on evolving security conditions.
With airspace closures expected to continue for a few more days, uncertainty prevails over when normal flight operations will resume. For now, thousands of Telugu families watch anxiously, hoping for calm in a conflict that has already reshaped the region’s skies — and stranded their loved ones far from home.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
