'Sounds of explosives heard': Stranded Indians from Dubai, Abu Dhabi land safely at Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi airports

NEW DELHI: Stranded people from Dubai and Abu Dhabi began returning to India on Wednesday, reaching major airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi. Many expressed relief at being back home safely amid the escalating situation in the Middle East, describing a mix of anxiety, caution, and gratitude. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, passengers arriving from Dubai described a tense atmosphere. One passenger said, "I have just landed. There is an atmosphere of fear at the moment, but I think the people living in Dubai are not as scared as the people who had gone for a trip or for some work; it was difficult for them." Another passenger added, "I was in Dubai for three days, so there were problems at some places, but the administration there managed everything well. Sounds of explosives were coming from some places, but there was not much problem."At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, a passenger returning from Dubai said, "I was stuck in transit, but the government of India and the UAE took good care of us, and the airline team and the hotels were very kind to us. The situation over there is relatively safer than in Abu Dhabi, but I hope everyone comes back home soon."At Cochin International Airport, Malayalam actress Swasika, who arrived from Abu Dhabi, said, "Heavy panic situation is not there, but still, as we are from another country, so definitely we will get a little panic. I was supposed to come on 28th February. Everything was under control."Another passenger from Abu Dhabi noted, "Today I heard that the US embassy was attacked. The scenario is getting worse. But everybody is going to work. The government is supporting a lot. This is not a panic situation, but at night time, because of the firing sound, it is disturbing.""I am coming from Fujairah, as from Dubai there was no flight. The situation in the UAE is under control. There is not that much panic situation in the UAE as of now because everything is under control under their government, " said a passenger who arrived at Cochin International Airport from Fujairah.(With agency inputs)