Indians in Gulf forced to miss Eid with families as Middle East war disrupts travel

As Muslims across the world prepare to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, thousands of Indian workers in Gulf countries are staring at a lonely festival this year, without the warmth of home, family embraces or shared meals.

For years, Eid has meant a homecoming for many Indian expatriates, particularly from countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where extended holidays, often lasting five to seven days, allow workers to reunite with families. This time, however, the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has upended those plans.

Flight cancellations and steep fare hikes, rising up to 10 to 12 times the usual cost in some cases, have made travel either impossible or unaffordable. Back home, families are bracing for a subdued festival, shaped as much by concern for loved ones abroad as by their absence at the table.

CANCELLED FLIGHTS, BROKEN PLANS

Akram Tyagi (name changed), a resident of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, had planned his trip home from Riyadh months in advance. He had booked a ticket on IndiGo, but his flight was cancelled twice after hostilities escalated.

“Every year, I go home for Eid. This time too, everything was planned in advance. But with the flight cancelled, I have no option but to stay back,” he said, adding that informing his parents he would not be home was particularly painful.

A similar story is playing out for Syed Ali (name changed), a native of Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh who has been working in Dubai for six years. “This will be the first time I celebrate Eid without my family. Festivals are about being together. Without that, it feels incomplete,” he said.

FAMILIES MAKE PEACE WITH A QUIETER EID

In Jaipur, the Farooqui family had been preparing for a grand celebration, with relatives expected to return from Dubai. But cancellations and unaffordable tickets forced a change of plans. The family has now decided to observe the festival quietly, limiting celebrations to prayers.

Attempts to reroute travel via third countries such as Oman also failed for many, as uncertainty around flight operations persisted.

COSTS SURGE, UNCERTAINTY DEEPENS

For those still attempting to travel, the financial burden has been staggering. Mohammed Asif from Lucknow managed to reach India only after an arduous journey via Oman, paying nearly Rs 1.5 lakh for a ticket that would typically cost Rs 10,000 to 15,000.

Others have chosen not to risk it at all. Riyaz, a Raebareli native working in Dubai, said even if one manages to secure an expensive ticket, there remains the risk of cancellations or being unable to return to work if the situation escalates. “There is always the fear that if I go home and the situation worsens, I may not be able to return and keep my job,” he said.

JOB FEARS ADD TO ANXIETY

For many, the dilemma goes beyond cancelled tickets and high fares, as the risk of losing employment looms just as large. Adil, a Ghaziabad resident working at a government hospital in Qatar, said his leave was revoked as tensions escalated.

“If I travel now and the situation worsens, I may not be able to return in time. That could put my job at risk,” he said, adding that many like him have chosen to stay back despite wanting to be home for Eid.

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