Chennai: The recent escalation of conflict in West Asia following Iranian attacks has left several Goan citizens facing uncertainty across Israel and Gulf countries, with many stranded at airports or confined to hotels, while others struggled to reach safety amid flight cancellations and closed airspaces.
Travellers Caught Off-Guard
Sixty year old John Desa, en route to Qatar via Mumbai, narrowly avoided being stranded when Qatari airspace closed while he was on the aerobridge at Goa International Airport. Airline staff offloaded him just in time, delaying the flight by 15 minutes.
In Dubai, Abida Fernandes witnessed missiles flying over her neighbourhood. “Almost all have been intercepted, but debris is falling from the explosions. It’s worrying,” she said. A group of Goan friends returning from Dubai had to turn back to Sharjah after the airport came under attack.
Ida Braganza, also in Dubai, described a shift to remote work until Wednesday, noting that missile strikes were primarily targeting key infrastructure, with minimal damage from debris. In Abu Dhabi, Tony Gomes reported alerts from authorities as he and his family stayed near a US military base, describing Saturday as frightening but Sunday as calmer.
Tense Conditions in Kuwait and Israel
In Kuwait, resident Martino confirmed safety amid a direct strike near the airport. Goan musician Seby, in Israel, described repeated shelter runs as the new normal due to missile alerts. Fr Ceynon Fernandes, on a pilgrimage through Egypt, Jordan, and Israel, remains stranded with a blocked return flight from Tel Aviv.
Government Response
The Indian government, along with Goa’s NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar, is coordinating with citizens in affected regions. “All Goans contacted are safe. Those facing issues can reach out to the NRI commission or Indian embassies for assistance,” Sawaikar said.