Dubai/Pune, 2nd March 2026: A total of 84 MBA students and four staff members from Indira School of Business Studies in Pune are currently stranded in Dubai following the sudden closure of airspace in parts of West Asia amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The students had travelled to Dubai for a five-day annual study tour. Of them, 40 students were scheduled to return to Pune on Saturday, while the remaining 44 had flights booked for Sunday.
However, rising tensions in the region led to missile exchanges and security concerns, prompting authorities to shut down airspace in several countries, including parts of the Gulf.
As a result, multiple international flights were cancelled, leaving many passengers stranded, including the Pune group.
According to the institute administration, all students and accompanying staff members are safe. They have been shifted to a hotel in Dubai, where necessary arrangements for accommodation and safety have been made. The institute is in constant contact with the students and local authorities.
Tarita Shankar, Chairperson of the Indira Group of Institutes, said, "The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are in regular touch with them and are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Civil Aviation Ministry. As soon as the airspace reopens, arrangements will be made to bring them back safely."
The institute has informed parents about the situation and assured them that the students are secure. Direct communication has also been established with the hotel administration in Dubai to ensure all essential facilities are provided.
Meanwhile, Pune district officials confirmed that apart from the students, around 10 other individuals from the district are also stranded in the region. Authorities have stated that they are safe and efforts are underway to facilitate their return once normal flight operations resume.