Rising Iran-Israel tensions have led to widespread airspace closures across West Asia, disrupting flights and stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers.
Major hubs like Dubai International and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International have scaled back operations, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute services. Flight delays continue, with an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Manchester forced to return after seven hours mid-air despite taking a longer, safer route over Africa.
Governments are actively assisting stranded citizens. India’s MEA reported over 52,000 Indians were safely evacuated from the Gulf between March 1-7, including 32,107 on Indian carriers.
The UK said more than 140,000 Britons registered for help, with at least 4,000 returning via commercial flights and additional charter flights planned.
The crisis is also affecting energy and domestic supplies. Hotels and restaurants in several Indian cities report LPG shortages due to disrupted Gulf shipments, prompting the Centre to boost domestic production. With the Strait of Hormuz at risk of closure and Gulf nations reducing output, analysts warn of a possible global supply crunch that could ripple far beyond the region, impacting energy, trade, and everyday life worldwide.
“Stay flexible and take any safe opportunity to move closer to home”
With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, locals continue to live safely and carry on with their daily routines, feeling protected under strong government measures. However, for those stranded in the region and trying to return home, the situation has been stressful, with travel disruptions and long waits.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Humanitarian and development professional, Dr Naafih KM said, “I’m currently in the UAE and have not returned home, as the situation here remains stable and under control. Life continues largely normally, and people feel safe. When the news of regional tensions first broke, like many others, we felt worried and uncertain. However, the UAE’s strong preparedness and response systems quickly provided reassurance and confidence. Even hearing fighter jets patrolling at night, rather than causing fear, shows that the country’s security measures are active and vigilant, allowing residents to feel safe and sleep peacefully.”
“In the education sector, authorities have placed the highest priority on student safety. Schools were initially closed until 6th March and then continued online through the scheduled spring break until 23rd March. These proactive steps ensured students and staff remained safe, stress-free, and able to continue learning despite the uncertainties. Despite the regional situation, daily life in the UAE continues largely uninterrupted, with people shopping, visiting parks, attending iftars, and going about their routines. My message to the wider community is to remain calm, rely on verified information rather than sensational news, and trust the systems that are continuously working to maintain safety, stability, and peace,” Dr Naafih added.
Gagandeep Kaur Gill, a British Insurance professional from the UK who has been living in Dubai for the past 16 years described her initial reaction to the news of missile strikes: “I was just at a yoga session in Dubai when my friend called to say Trump had fired missiles at Iran and there could be possible bangs heard in the UAE. I was shocked and came straight home, I just wanted to be with my little dog, Leo, since pets are especially sensitive to these kinds of noises.” She praised the UAE government, saying, “They’ve done a magnificent job intercepting missiles, keeping us updated, and caring for stranded tourists. I still feel this is the safest country in the world.”
On staying in the UAE, Gagan added, “I’ve lived here for 15 years, had a fantastic life, and my career has flourished. I feel very safe and protected, and I have every faith in the UAE government. I want to be here to see the country come out even stronger and reap the rewards of this great government.”
She said, “You can’t compare this to Europe or the UK where I lived before. The systems, processes, and infrastructure here are fantastic. They’ve done everything to protect us and keep us informed with regular alerts on our phones. I have a fantastic life here and no reason to leave, the UAE is my home, and I intend to ride this out. I’m sure there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
Sam Sahabandu, who was stranded in Oman, shared his experience: “It was a surreal and uncertain experience from the moment we were diverted. We landed safely in Muscat but couldn’t leave the aircraft for over seven hours, with very limited water and no food. Once we disembarked, it took another five hours to clear immigration and finally reach a hotel. From landing to the hotel, it was more than 15 hours. The hardest part was the lack of information, every day we waited for updates from the airline. I know they were doing their best, but the uncertainty caused a lot of anxiety.”
On the evacuation process, Sam said, “Initially, the UK government process wasn’t clear for those stranded in Oman. At first, there was no way to register for assistance. We eventually found a link via the BBC to register for a charter flight, which required £350 per person, surprising for many families. Even after paying, seats weren’t confirmed. Fortunately, Qatar Airways later offered a direct flight from Muscat to London Heathrow, which we took. Compared to everything else, that process was straightforward.”
Reflecting on the ordeal, he said, “The constant uncertainty was toughest. Many lacked money or travel insurance and struggled for basics, but fellow travellers, hotel staff, and the Omani people showed remarkable kindness, helping us feel safe.”
He advised, “Stay flexible and take any safe route home. Keep your airline or agent contact active, and support fellow travellers, especially those facing language or other challenges—to ease anxiety.”
Mihir K Patel, Chair of The India Overseas Trust UK, said, “As the Middle East is in turmoil, the once safe haven of the UAE has been shaken. What surprised me is the large numbers of British expats and visitors in the UAE, at some counts up to 94,000. Clearly there has been a quiet migration during the current Government’s term of people who are voting with their money.”
He added, “This inordinately large number has posed a challenge to the British Embassy in the UAE to arrange evacuation flights. The Embassy’s emergency messaging brings back memories of the first Gulf War and even the Uganda Expulsion, when all 22,806 evacuees who arrived in the UK between November 1972 and January 1973 paid for their flights themselves.”
Mihir continued, “Again, our community rallies and we stand together to assist relatives, friends, and stranded strangers to leave, whether to the UK or India. Luckily, we now have the wonder of WhatsApp to communicate with those in the UAE—my Dubai WhatsApp evac group has 12 families, of which we’ve managed to get all but one out, either through Muscat or Dubai to London and Mumbai.”
He concluded, “A special note of thanks to the UAE Government, which has shown unparalleled strength for a country celebrating the 50th anniversary of its armed forces, and moreover for its commitment to citizens, residents, and visitors alike.”
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Son of Iran’s Ayatollah set to lead
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, son of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was killed in US-Israeli strikes, has been named his successor.
Mojtaba has kept a low profile, never held office or given interviews, though he is rumoured to wield significant influence behind the scenes. US diplomatic cables described him as "the power behind the robes" and a "capable and forceful" figure.
His rise could be controversial, as Iran’s 1979 constitution selects supreme leaders based on religious and leadership credentials, not heredity. Ali Khamenei rarely addressed succession, and two years ago a member of the Assembly of Experts opposed Mojtaba as a candidate.
Born on 8 September 1969 in Mashhad, he studied at Tehran’s Alavi School and served briefly in the Iran-Iraq War at 17. In 1999, he began religious studies in Qom, adopting clerical attire at 30.
India condoled the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveying sympathy to the Iranian ambassador and signing the condolence book on behalf of the government. While calling for a resolution of the West Asia crisis through dialogue, India chose not to comment on Khamenei’s killing. Misri’s visit gained significance as opposition parties had criticised the government for its muted response.
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Iran issues apology, signals defensive stance
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring countries for attacks during the conflict with Israel and the US, but said Iran will retaliate only if attacked first.
“I apologise on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries affected. The interim leadership council has agreed no further attacks will occur unless Iran is attacked first,” Pezeshkian said on state TV.
He added that Iran would “not surrender,” warning, “Enemies must take their wish for Iran’s surrender to their graves.”
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BAPS volunteers aid stranded Indians
Indians at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi provided remarkable support during the sudden outbreak of war with Iran, ensuring stranded people received food, shelter, and safe passage home.
On February 27, discussions were held with the government, temple trustees, and Brahmavihari Das Swami about development plans around the temple. The next day, as war erupted, the area became a conflict zone, with missiles and military activity near the 20-25 km temple vicinity, which houses UAE, US, UK, and French bases. Anti-missile defences caused explosions and debris, prompting the temple to close to visitors, though worship and rituals continued inside.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj directed resident saints to stay and serve, calling twice daily to inspire courage and faith. Coordinating with authorities, the temple became a safe haven for thousands.
BAPS volunteers provided food, medicine, shelter, transport, and help returning home via Oman or Saudi Arabia, also assisting at the Indian Embassy.
Ignoring government advice to evacuate, Mahant Swami Maharaj urged them to remain, emphasising courage and service. Their efforts, praised by UAE Minister Sheikh Nahyan and India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighted remarkable faith, humanity, and dedication amid the conflict.
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Businessman opens farmhouse to help stranded travellers
Amid West Asia’s conflict and flight disruptions, stranded Indian travellers have taken refuge in a shelter in Ajman near Dubai. UAE businessman Dr Dhiraj Jain converted his farmhouse into temporary accommodation, providing free lodging and meals to those stuck without resources.
Tourist families from Maharashtra and Rajasthan said they were initially scared by loud sounds from the conflict but now feel safe and relieved at the shelter.
Stranded UAE travellers have been finding refuge at the 80,000 sq ft Ajman farmhouse of Dubai-based developer Dr Dhiraj Jain, which has become a temporary home.
For the past six days, Dr Jain, chairman of 1XL Holdings, has used 11 cars, including six Rolls-Royces, to pick up passengers from hotels and other locations. The initiative began around February 28, as worsening travel chaos left many tourists unable to leave the country.
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India continues Russian oil imports despite US waiver
The Centre said India continues to buy crude oil from the most competitive sources, despite tensions along the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran-US-Israel conflict.
India’s energy supply remains secure, backed by diversified imports from 40 countries. “In the national interest, India purchases oil at the most competitive rates, regardless of source,” the government stated.
India continues importing Russian oil under a US temporary waiver, with Russia remaining its largest supplier. “India never needed permission and maintained imports during the Russia-Ukraine war due to discounted prices and refinery demand,” the Centre said.
The country holds over 250 million barrels of crude, enough for seven to eight weeks, and has a refining capacity of 258 million tonnes per year, above domestic demand.
US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation disrupted global energy flows, pushing oil prices higher. Despite the US waiver, India’s imports strengthen its energy security as a net exporter. In February, Washington removed a 25% tariff on Indian exports amid claims India would halt Russian oil purchases, which New Delhi did not confirm. Oil prices rose 8.5% Friday after nearly a 30% surge last week following US President Trump’s warning that only Iran’s “unconditional surrender” could end the conflict.
