Iran-Israel conflict; Malayalis stranded at Gulf airports

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Iran-Israel conflict is also affecting Malayalis returning home from Europe and America. Passengers arriving on connecting flights are stranded in GCC countries for up to a day.

As the plane is diverted mid-way, the landing is delayed for hours, resulting in missing the connecting flight. Many passengers are coming to Kerala as school vacations begin in the UK, the US and the Middle East.

The Etihad flight that arrived from Manchester to Abu Dhabi with many Malayalis was diverted mid-way. It landed in Abu Dhabi two and a half hours late. The connecting flight had left before their arrival.

Malayalis arriving in Abu Dhabi from other European countries are also stuck in a similar situation. If there is a flight back home the next day, they will be accommodated in hotels. Passengers are stranded in Dubai and Qatar without getting a connecting flight. Among them are those who left to attend weddings and because of the death of relatives.