Tourists from Ballari district who were stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region returned safely to Bengaluru on Thursday.
The group had travelled to Dubai through a travel agency and was scheduled to fly back to India on February 28. However, flight services were suspended following the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, leaving them stranded for several days.
After flight operations resumed on March 4, the tourists departed from Dubai at 10.45 pm. They first landed in Kochi, Kerala, and later took a connecting flight to Bengaluru, arriving on Thursday morning. Ballari Rural MLA B. Nagendra received them at the airport and welcomed them with bouquets.
Dakshayini remained in Dubai along with her husband and Sharannappa due to health-related reasons.
Yalpi Meti Pampanagouda, executive committee member of the Veerashaiva Vidyavardhaka Sangha, thanked local residents in Dubai who provided food, accommodation and support to the stranded tourists during the difficult period.
The tourists also expressed gratitude to Ballari City MLA Nara Bharat Reddy, Rural MLA B. Nagendra, MP B. Tukaram, and the state government for assisting them in returning home.
According to the tourists, they had informed their families through video messages that they were stranded after flights were cancelled amid the conflict. They said arrangements for food and accommodation were later made with the help of the state government, MLA Nagendra and social activist Drone Pratap.
After reaching Ballari, the returning tourists were warmly welcomed by their families with garlands, sweets and bursting of crackers to celebrate their safe return.