Telugus stranded in Gulf amid flight cancellations

Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are closed, Muscat airport is the only route available

T P Venu | Hyderabad 

Many people from the Telugu states have been left stranded in the Gulf region following flight cancellations and airport closures amid escalating tensions. Speaking to Metro India, Ahmed, a resident of Sainikpuri who is currently stuck in Dubai, said, “There are three of us waiting to return to Hyderabad. Thanks to my father’s contacts, we are staying at a friend’s place, but with every passing hour, our anxiety is increasing.” Similarly, several individuals from Andhra Pradesh remain stranded in the conflict-affected region.

The crisis intensified after a joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, triggering an indefinite war and drawing in neighbouring Arab nations, where millions of Indians live and work. In response, the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) has advised Telugu expatriates in the Gulf to travel to Muscat, Oman, to board repatriation flights to Kochi and return to India.

Ravi Kumar P. Vemuru, President of APNRTS, stated that the society has urged Telugu expatriates across Gulf countries to remain safe at their current locations. He noted that stranded visitors, particularly in Dubai and Oman, are extremely anxious. “Flights from Muscat have already begun operating. We are advising them to take the Muscat–Kochi flight and return to India,” Vemuru said.

With limited options available, many stranded passengers are now scrambling to secure seats on the Muscat–Kochi flight, currently the only operational route for those seeking to return home.

Control room set up to help 

Telangana residents in West Asia

The Telangana government on Monday set up a 24×7 Control Room at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi. The Control Room will function round-the-clock to facilitate necessary coordination and extend assistance as required.

Security beefed up at US Consulate in 

In response to protests in Hyderabad triggered by recent developments in West Asia and the passing of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, security measures at the U.S. Consulate have been significantly enhanced. Officials from the Cyberabad Commissionerate have instructed the Gachibowli police to ensure stringent security protocols are implemented at  Nanakramguda in the Financial district.

Minister Tummala stranded in Dubai

Telangana's Agriculture Minister, Tummala Nageswara Rao, has found himself stranded in Dubai amidst the ongoing conflict resulting in the United States' military actions against Iran and the subsequent closure of airspace throughout the Gulf region. Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao traveled to Dubai five days ago to attend to a family member who had fallen seriously ill, seeking improved medical care. As he prepared to return following the completion of the treatment, the conflict in West Asia intensified, thereby preventing his departure from Dubai.

Candlelight march taken out in Vijayawada 

protesting Khamenei’s killing

Members of the Muslim community have carried out a peaceful candlelight protest rally in Vijayawada, condemning the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel military strike. The Andhra Pradesh state president of Muhammad Ali Muslim Welfare Association, Mushtaq Ali, organised the candle march on Sunday night and accused US President Donald Trump of high-handed attitude.

APNRTS advises Telugu expats to reach Muscat for flights home

The Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) advised Telugu expats to reach Muscat which is the only airport that is open which has a flight to Kochi in Kerala. The contacts of local Telugu-speaking people is being shared with the visitors for help and that several APNRTS coordinators, about 110, present across the Gulf are willing to give refuge. APNRTS 24/7 helpline numbers, 0863-2340678 and WhatsApp +91 85000 27678, or via email at helpline@apnrts.com to receive prompt support.