Zepto Techie Stranded in Dubai Reaches Muscat, Books ₹40,000 Flight to Bengaluru
Kritika Kumari, a developer at Zepto, has reached Oman after spending nearly a week stranded in Dubai amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. She had travelled to Dubai for a trip when coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran triggered widespread retaliation across the region. Soon after, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting multiple locations, including parts of the UAE. As a result, Dubai’s airspace shut down and airlines cancelled hundreds of flights, leaving many Indian travellers stuck.
Airspace Closure Leaves Indians in Limbo
Dubai, long considered a safe transit hub, suddenly faced disruption after regional hostilities intensified. Consequently, flight operations halted and uncertainty gripped travellers. Kumari shared updates on social media, describing nearby explosions and visible fighter jets in the sky. In one post, she said an attack occurred just 4.5 km from her location, which heightened her anxiety about returning home safely. Like several other stranded Indians, she began exploring alternate travel routes out of the UAE.
Road to Oman: Visa, Border and Cab Ride
Eventually, Kumari applied for an Oman e-visa through an online platform and received approval after a brief delay. Thereafter, she joined a group of five travellers who arranged transport through an agent to the Oman border. Although authorities provided a bus service between the UAE and Oman for 50 dirhams per person, she opted for a cab to speed up immigration formalities. The group reportedly paid around 3,500 dirhams for the cab journey. Soon after completing immigration procedures, she reached Muscat, offering relief after days of uncertainty.
₹40,000 Ticket Home to India
From Muscat, Kumari booked a flight to Bengaluru costing ₹40,000, scheduled to depart Thursday morning. While the ticket price appeared steep, it ensured a quicker return amid volatile regional conditions. Her experience highlights the challenges many Indian citizens faced as geopolitical tensions disrupted civilian travel. Nevertheless, her safe arrival in Oman and confirmed flight home mark the end of a stressful ordeal.
