Eighty-four MBA students from Pune’s Indira School of Business Studies (ISBS) are currently stranded in Dubai after sudden airspace closures disrupted flights across the Middle East.
The students had travelled to Dubai as part of an annual five-day academic study tour. According to institute officials, while 40 students were scheduled to return to Pune on Saturday (February 28, 2026), the remaining 44 were to board their flight on Sunday (March 1, 2026). However, escalating tensions in West Asia and the closure of airspace left them unable to travel.
“All are safe and have been moved to a hotel,” Dean, School of Information Technology, Indira University, Prof. Dr Janardan Pawar said.
INSTITUTE SAYS STUDENTS SAFE, IN TOUCH WITH AUTHORITIES
Indira Group of Institutes Chairperson Tarita Shankar confirmed that the students and accompanying staff are safe and that the institution is actively coordinating with authorities.
“All students and the staff are safe. We are in constant touch with them. We are also coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs as well as with the Ministry of Civil Aviation. They will be brought back at the earliest,” she said.
On the situation, Prof. Dr Janardan Pawar told ANI, “Under our global programme, we send students there every year for academic exposure. This year, a total of 84 students have gone in two batches.”
“We have requested the Ministry of External Affairs and are constantly in contact with the students’ parents. The students are safe in the hotel, and we are providing every possible support to them, hoping for their return to India soon,” he said.
The institute has assured families that students are being supported and remain under supervision.
AIRSPACE CLOSURES AMID REGIONAL ESCALATION
The disruption comes amid major developments in the region. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in an attack by Israel and the United States, according to Iranian state media early Sunday (March 1, 2026).
Following the escalation, flights across the Middle East were disrupted. Air defence activity was reported over Dubai, the commercial capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The sudden airspace restrictions triggered widespread flight cancellations and delays, impacting travellers across the region, including Indian students on academic visits.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Institute officials say they are awaiting further advisories from Indian authorities and aviation regulators. With the situation evolving rapidly, the timeline for the students’ return remains uncertain.
For now, families have been informed that all 84 students are safe, staying at a hotel in Dubai, and in constant communication with institute authorities.
(WIth PTI and ANI inputs)
