From Indian Engineer To Pakistani Electrician: How Has Iran-Israel War Affected These People?

Last Updated:June 25, 2025, 10:40 IST

The temporary closure of airspace across the Gulf region was triggered after the US carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.

The airspace closure has forced airlines to cancel several routes. (Representative Image)

Flight disruptions across the Gulf have left many UAE residents stranded in their home countries, following the escalation between Israel and Iran. The temporary closure of Gulf airspace has forced airlines to cancel or reroute several flights, creating uncertainty for travellers attempting to return to the UAE for work.

Among those affected is Fahim Ammar, a Dubai-based sales executive, who had travelled to Mangalore for his annual leave. He was scheduled to return on June 24, but now finds himself stuck due to the ongoing disruptions.

“I had been reading about the conflict and the airspace situation. But until last evening, my flight showed as on time. I checked again, and it was cancelled," he told Khaleej Times. Fahim is supposed to return to work this week and has been calling travel agents to find any possible alternative.

“I have contacted many travel agencies. I get the same response to wait two or three days because even they are uncertain about the situation," he added.

Sharjah resident Ashif Shareef, 28, had gone to Kannur for his engagement. His return flight to Sharjah, UAE, was cancelled on June 24.

“I had packed my bags and was ready to return and begin a new chapter of my life. But when I checked the flight status in the morning, it was cancelled. I felt completely helpless," he said.

With flights from Kannur unavailable, Ashif is considering travelling to other airports like Kochi or Mangalore, but he said that most flights that are still running are “fully booked."

In Pakistan, Muhammed Ali, an electrician based in Dubai, has been stuck in his hometown for two days. He was in Quetta for a family visit, but both his connecting flights through Karachi have been cancelled.

“It’s summer, and we get a lot of calls for AC repair and servicing. I understand the need for me to be back at work," he told the outlet. As an alternative, Ali mentioned his plan to take a direct flight from Quetta to Dubai, which “still appears to operate."

The airspace closures were triggered after the US carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on the US Al Udeid air base in Qatar. This has led to high tensions and flight disruptions across the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, on Monday, US President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that both Israel and Iran had agreed in principle to a ceasefire, calling it the end of the “12-Day War." But by Tuesday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz accused Iran of violating the agreement and ordered a strong military response. Iran has denied this and said that it has not fired any new missiles since the ceasefire was announced.

Location :

Delhi, India, India

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News world From Indian Engineer To Pakistani Electrician: How Has Iran-Israel War Affected These People?