Panaji: The Goa NRI Commission has said that the situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains normal and that no information has been received about Goans being stranded, even as tensions escalate in the Middle East and flights to Dubai and Bahrain from Dabolim have been cancelled.
Commissioner for NRI Affairs Narendra Sawaikar said he has spoken with members of the Goan community in Dubai, who indicated that the situation remains under control, although authorities are issuing safety advisories.
“I have been in touch with Goans living in that region. They have said that the situation is normal and there is no need to panic,” he said.
Sawaikar said the Indian Embassy in West Asia is active and has been issuing advisories from time to time. He urged families of those in West Asia not to panic. “Alerts have been issued in that region, but right now the situation is normal,” he said.
Amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East, several flights have been cancelled at the Goa International Airport, Dabolim. Authorities issued a passenger advisory stating that some services stand cancelled.
Air India Express IX0239 (GOI–DXB, 28 Feb), Air India Express IX0240 (DXB–GOI, 1 Mar) and Gulf Air GF0284/285 (BAH–GOI–BAH, 1 Mar) stand cancelled. Passengers have been advised to check with the respective airlines for updated schedules and further information.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply following reports by Iranian state media that the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike as part of a joint military operation involving the United States and Israel.
In retaliation, Iran launched attacks across parts of the Gulf and the wider Middle East, reportedly targeting areas beyond US bases and strategic interests.
The attacks caused damage at the Dubai International Airport and the Burj Al Arab area, with at least four people reported injured at the airport.
