84 Indira University students stranded in Dubai: What happened and what next?

Eighty-four MBA students from Indira University in Pune remain stranded in Dubai after airspace closures triggered by escalating conflict in West Asia disrupted flights across the region.

The students had travelled to Dubai as part of an academic exposure programme when tensions spiralled following joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran. With regional airports affected and airspace temporarily shut, their return to India has been delayed.

Why are the students stuck in Dubai?

According to the university administration, the students were unable to fly back after airspaces were closed due to the evolving conflict in West Asia.

Dean Janardan Pawar of the School of Information Technology said the institution is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with authorities. “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.”

The university confirmed that the students are safe and currently staying in local hotels in Dubai while waiting for flight operations to resume. The administration has reassured families that it remains in constant touch with both parents and the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate their earliest possible return.

What triggered the sudden airspace closures?

The disruption follows a dramatic escalation in the region after a joint US-Israel strike on Iran on Saturday reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities.

US President Donald Trump said the strikes were carried out to “ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon”.

Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. On Sunday, Israel said it had launched fresh attacks on “the heart of Tehran”.

The ripple effects were felt beyond Iran and Israel. Four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, citing Dubai Airports' media office.

How is the situation unfolding inside Iran?

International media reported contrasting scenes within Iran following the strikes.

CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report, whistling, cheering and slogans of “Death to the Islamic Republic” and “Long live the Shah” were heard on the streets of the cities.

Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran.

Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X, saying, “Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember.”

Iranian activist and journalist Masih Alinejad also shared a video, writing, “A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world.”

What happens next for the stranded students?

For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safe return of the 84 students from Dubai. With regional airspace still affected and tensions high, their journey home depends on stabilisation in flight operations and diplomatic coordination.

The university has maintained that the students are safe and receiving full support, while authorities continue to monitor developments in a rapidly evolving geopolitical crisis.

(With inputs from ANI)