Mumbai, March 3 (NationPress) Bollywood star Esha Gupta has successfully returned to India after being caught in a missile alert in Abu Dhabi, a situation that arose amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to both the UAE authorities and the Indian government for their swift actions that prioritized the safety of passengers.

Esha shared her experience on Instagram, stating: “Home at last. I appreciate all your prayers and good wishes. It was an incredibly challenging situation for all of us. Truly, we were blessed to be safe!”

The actress recounted the events that transpired on the afternoon of the 28th while she was at the airport. “It all began on the 28th (Sunday) at around 1 PM when the airport was suddenly shut down, creating chaos as we were all left bewildered. News of a missile strike started to circulate, and no one was certain about what would happen next. Strangers were comforting one another, all while making calls to their families back home,” she noted.

Esha observed the unwavering spirit of the UAE during her time at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. “The ground crew and airport security sprang into action and remained composed despite the tense atmosphere. I hadn’t checked in yet, so I decided to head back to my hotel in Abu Dhabi. Later that night, I heard various stories from fellow travelers at the hotel,” she added.

She explained that she returned to her hotel as she had yet to check in for her flight. At the hotel, she learned about the provisions made for those stranded at the airport. “Initially, passengers received cash for food, and although we had to wait for our luggage, within a few hours, everyone was organized into lines and given accommodations at available hotels in Abu Dhabi. By 9 PM, buses were ready to transport us to various hotels throughout the city and the island,” she shared.

According to her, the government had proactively instructed hotels to provide shelter and meals even before the situation was widely reported. “This didn’t mean that strangers were left isolated in rooms; they ensured that families or friends were kept together. Notifications from the MOI of UAE prompted us to seek shelter, and we received reassuring messages whenever the situation stabilized,” she mentioned.

Esha commended hotel staff and essential service workers for their dedication amid the uncertainty. “The hotel management, still in the same clothes from the previous night, continued to work diligently, addressing inquiries to the best of their ability,” she said.

“Delivery personnel (Careem) remained operational, and there was no shortage of services. The hotel lobby was filled with people, including us, due to the security alert, yet there was no chaos. Hotel security continually reassured everyone,” she remarked.

“Despite the fear, we witnessed a collective calmness among the people, and no one created undue stress; we were all in this together. Etihad Airlines communicated with us regarding rebooking and refunds,” she added.

“We kept reaching out to the airline, hoping to secure the next available flight home, regardless of the city, just to land back in our country. The ground staff on the phone were incredibly helpful and remained calm,” she recalled. Fortunately, they managed to board the first commercial flight of Etihad to Delhi the following afternoon.

“Although the airport was not fully operational, the staff was ready to assist us in every possible way,” she noted.

In concluding her message, Esha expressed her appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the authorities. “This situation showcases the strength and resilience of a nation; they acted promptly without placing blame, only making strong decisions. Thank you to everyone who assisted in helping people return home. Your country is truly remarkable,” she stated.

She also extended her gratitude to the Indian government and UAE leadership for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the safe return of their citizens. “Thank you to our government for providing reassurance and working tirelessly to bring us home. Thank you to the UAE government for your solidarity with all nations to look after their citizens! Radhe Radhe,” she concluded her post.