Jaipur, March 2 (NationPress) As tensions in the Middle East escalate due to recent airstrikes by Israel and the US on Iran, flight services to various Gulf nations have been severely affected. Numerous flights have been cancelled, leaving many individuals from Rajasthan stuck in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

A contingent of astrologers from Deeg district in Rajasthan arrived in Dubai on February 28 for an astrology conference. They were supposed to return on March 1, but their flights were cancelled owing to unexpected airspace restrictions. Among those affected is astrologer Ranganath Sharma from Deeg, who is currently in Dubai waiting for updates.

Flight services from Jaipur to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have also been suspended. The Jaipur Airport has issued an advisory for travelers heading to Gulf nations.

Reports indicate that over 100 students and residents from Jodhpur, Kota, and Sikar are stranded due to the flight cancellations stemming from the abrupt airspace lockdown. Some travelers mentioned that they were relocated from the airport to nearby hotels after the cancellations were announced.

A few students stuck in Dubai claimed they heard explosions near the airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Siddharth Jain, a student from Kota residing in Dubai’s Academy Educational Zone, reported that a missile allegedly landed near his hostel. He shared images and videos with his family, stating that explosions were heard intermittently.

Another student, Tanya from Kota, is currently stranded in Abu Dhabi while attempting to return home from Canada.

Approximately 120 pilgrims from Jodhpur are also stuck in Abu Dhabi. They had traveled to Dubai for a religious discourse (Katha) led by Saint Amritram Maharaj of Bada Ramdwara Sursagar, which took place from February 24 to 28. After the Katha concluded, the group reached Abu Dhabi Airport on Saturday, only to be informed that their return flights had been cancelled.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has urged the Union Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate their safe return to India.

He stated, “The situation concerning Shri Manohar Das Ji and Shri Amritram Ji of the Ramsnehi sect, who traveled from Jodhpur to Dubai for a religious event, along with around 120 devotees, being stranded due to the outbreak of conflict is alarming. Upon learning of this around midnight, I communicated with Manohar Das Ji Maharaj regarding the situation and have also reached out to members of the local expatriate Marwari community. It’s reassuring that they are providing support and assistance to everyone involved. I respectfully request the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe return to India,” Gehlot added.

Gajendra Mahiya, a businessman from Jodhpur who traveled to Dubai with friends on February 23, is also among those stranded following the cancellation of his scheduled return flight on Sunday.

All stranded individuals have appealed to the Indian Government for assistance in their safe evacuation.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation as affected passengers await further announcements regarding the resumption of flights and evacuation plans.

Meanwhile, members of the Shia community in Ajmer organized a procession following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Participants donned black bands and chanted slogans against the US and Israel.

Effigies of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were set ablaze during the protest. The community also declared a three-day mourning period, vocally condemning the attacks by the US and Israel.