Patna: Rising tensions between Iran and the United States have begun to ripple far beyond the Middle East, with aviation routes and migrant families in Bihar feeling the impact. Around 150 passengers scheduled to travel from Patna to Gulf destinations have cancelled or postponed their journeys as airlines suspend services amid growing uncertainty.
Travellers bound for Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman — typically flying via Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai or Hyderabad — have either sought refunds or rebooked for later dates. Flights operating through the affected airspace were initially halted until March 2, with several carriers extending cancellations through March 5.
Major Indian airlines including Air India, IndiGo and Air India Express have suspended services to key Gulf cities. Under normal circumstances, connecting fares from Patna to these destinations range between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000. However, with the airspace situation described as volatile, airlines have opted for precautionary cancellations.
For many families in Patna, the disruption has deepened anxiety. Umar, whose relative works in Dubai, said the family has been in constant contact since news of the escalating conflict emerged. “We are advising him to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel,” he said. Similar concerns were voiced by Azam from Ramna Road, whose brother works at a private mall in Bahrain. According to him, companies have instructed employees to remain inside their residential flats as a safety measure.
The Gulf region hosts a large population of migrant workers from Bihar and other parts of India, making any geopolitical instability a source of immediate concern back home. While airlines say they are monitoring the situation closely, passengers and their families remain on edge, waiting for clarity on when normal services will resume.
