Ranchi/Dubai, March 6: What began as a celebratory honeymoon for a newly married couple from Ranchi has turned into an anxious wait to return home, after flight cancellations triggered by rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia left them stranded in Dubai.
The couple, Atul Oraon and Dr Kanchan Bara, had travelled to Dubai on February 27 shortly after their wedding in Ranchi on February 22. Their return journey to India was scheduled for March 4 on a flight operated by IndiGo, but the service was cancelled amid disruptions in regional air travel.
According to the couple, escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have triggered widespread flight suspensions across parts of West Asia, affecting operations at Dubai International Airport and leaving thousands of travellers stranded.
“Our trip started normally on February 27, but from the very next day the attacks began and the war-like situation unfolded,” Oraon said, recalling how the couple’s plans were disrupted soon after their arrival.
He said their IndiGo flight from Dubai, numbered 6C1462, was cancelled without clarity on rescheduling or rebooking options, causing anxiety among passengers waiting to return home.
Despite the aviation disruptions, the couple said daily life in Dubai continues largely as usual. “Currently, Dubai city is functioning normally, but airlines are disrupted and the airports were initially shut down,” Oraon said.
Dr Bara described the situation as tense, even though the city remains operational. “We are safe for now, but the anxiety is growing with each passing moment,” she said, expressing hope that they would soon be able to reunite with their families.
The couple has been attempting to secure alternative travel arrangements and has now booked an indirect flight operated by Air India Express to Surat, with plans to travel on March 8 if the service operates as scheduled. “If the flight on March 8 operates, we will come to India first. From there, travelling to any part of the country will not be difficult,” Oraon said.
Oraon works as a senior manager at the Bokaro Steel Plant under the Steel Authority of India Limited, while Dr Bara serves as a dentist with the Jharkhand Government in Latehar district.
The couple has also appealed to Narendra Modi and Hemant Soren through social media, urging authorities to facilitate the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in the region. Their video appeal online has since gone viral.
Back in Ranchi, their families are closely monitoring developments and have requested the state government to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates to assist travellers affected by the crisis.
Officials indicated that they are aware of the situation and efforts are underway to help the couple return home safely.
