Dubai, UAE – A sudden and wide suspension of flights across the UAE has left several well-known Bollywood actors and British reality TV personalities stranded in the country, as international air travel continues to face disruption amid rising regional tensions.
For many travellers, it was a normal departure day that quickly turned uncertain. Airports slowed. Schedules changed. Flights were pulled off the boards. Among those caught in the shuffle were film stars and television personalities who later confirmed they were safe while waiting for services to resume.
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Esha Gupta is safe in Abu Dhabi
Bollywood actress Esha Gupta was in Abu Dhabi when the flight halt came into effect. Like many others, she learned of the cancellations only after plans were already in motion. In social media posts, Gupta said she and others around her were “ok” and “safe,” though she described the atmosphere as “scary” and “very tough.”
She acknowledged the arrangements made for stranded passengers — including hotel stays and food — as airlines and authorities worked through the disruption. Those first few hours, as travellers waited for clarity, appeared to be the hardest.
Gupta’s stay extended several days beyond what she had planned. On March 2, she confirmed she had successfully departed and landed in Delhi. After returning home, she thanked fans for their concern and expressed appreciation for the coordination that helped facilitate her journey back to India.
UK Reality TV Stars and Family Travellers Affected
British television personality Laura Anderson had only just arrived in Dubai with her young daughter when aviation services were halted. She later described the situation as “horrendous,” a word that reflected the confusion many passengers felt in those early stages.
Still, she reassured followers that both she and her child were safe. Since then, she has continued to share periodic updates while awaiting confirmation on onward travel.
Another British reality TV figure, Vicky Pattison, was transiting through Dubai en route to Australia when her connecting flight was cancelled. She said she and her husband were instructed to remain in a secure area of their hotel as a precaution. In messages posted online, Pattison urged people not to spread rumours and made it clear they were safe while monitoring developments.
Indian Film and TV Personalities Stranded
Several Indian entertainment personalities were also caught in the flight halt.
Tamil actor Ajith Kumar had been scheduled to return to Chennai following commitments in the UAE. His departure was called off after his flight was cancelled. According to his manager, he returned from the airport and remains in Dubai, waiting for commercial services to stabilise before travelling.
Bengali actress Subhashree Ganguly was in Dubai with her son, Yuvaan, on holiday when services were suspended. Her husband, filmmaker Raj Chakraborty, confirmed the family was safe at their hotel in Palm Jumeirah. He noted that authorities had advised residents and visitors to remain indoors after reports of an explosion in the vicinity, adding to the tense mood across the city.
Actress Sonal Chauhan also faced repeated cancellations while attempting to leave Dubai. She initially posted seeking assistance and clarity about flight options. In later updates, she reassured followers that she was safe. After spending several extra days in the UAE due to the airspace situation, she has since returned to India.
Suspended Flights and Airport Closures
The flight disruptions are linked to temporary airspace restrictions across parts of the Gulf as regional tensions intensified following military activity involving the United States and Iran. Airlines responded with precautionary suspensions.
Major carriers — including Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai — halted or rescheduled services to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). For several hours, departure boards reflected widespread cancellations. Even as limited movements resume in stages, operations remain subject to change.
No fixed timeline has been announced for a full return to normal schedules. Some repatriation and limited evacuation flights have begun operating under heightened safety protocols. Travellers have been advised to verify directly with airlines before proceeding to airports.
Other Individuals Affected
Beyond the better-known names, other personalities also found themselves stranded. Bigg Boss runner-up Manya Singh reported that her February 28 flight from Abu Dhabi was cancelled. In posts online, she described the uncertainty of shifting travel arrangements and extended stays while waiting for fresh updates.
Across social platforms, similar messages have appeared from visitors who were in the UAE at the time services were halted. The common thread has been reassurance — delayed, certainly — but safe.
While airports gradually work toward restoring regular schedules, the celebrities who unexpectedly extended their stay in the Emirates have echoed a consistent message: plans changed overnight, but they remain secure.
