Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, best known for his roles in 'Mukkabaaz' and 'Chhaava', safely landed in Mumbai in the early hours of Tuesday after being temporarily stranded at Dubai Airport. The delay came amid sudden airspace restrictions triggered by rising tensions in the Middle East.
The actor touched down at approximately 3:45 AM IST, following a brief period of uncertainty that began Monday night. Vineet had shared a now widely circulated update on his Instagram Story from Dubai Airport, alerting followers to his situation just as reports broke of airspace closures in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.
'We Were Clueless Around 10:00 PM,' Says Vineet
While speaking to News18, the actor recounted the chaotic atmosphere that evening. “We were clueless around 10:00pm,” he said. Vineet’s flight, scheduled for departure at 09:40 PM Dubai time, had been caught in the confusion caused by the emergency restrictions.
His earlier Instagram post, timestamped 9:23 PM Dubai time, read, “I am at Dubai Airport. 9:23pm Dubai Time. Immigration done. Waiting at the Gate for my flight. Fingers crossed.”
Fortunately, things took a positive turn shortly thereafter. “Then we got the news that boarding started. Flight takeoff [was] little late but everything was fine. Emirates Airlines and Dubai airport staff helped everyone,” he added, lauding the calm professionalism of the ground staff during the crisis.
Airspace Crisis Hits Major Routes Across the Gulf
The temporary airspace lockdown was imposed shortly after Iran launched missile strikes targeting U.S. military bases in Iraq and Qatar, in retaliation for recent attacks on its nuclear infrastructure. The escalating conflict quickly impacted civilian air routes, particularly affecting the aviation hub of Dubai.
Airlines including Emirates and flydubai halted services to high-risk regions, with Emirates confirming suspension of flights to Iraq and Iran until at least June 30. Affected cities include Baghdad, Basra, and Tehran.
Dubai Airports issued a travel advisory alerting passengers to the possibility of delays, cancellations, and diversions at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC).
Though disrupted, Vineet Kumar Singh’s journey ultimately concluded safely, with the actor now back in Mumbai after a tense night abroad.