Lost in transit: Indian founders and investors chart alternate routes home as West Asia tensions disrupt flights

dubai

• Flight disruptions in Dubai impact Indian founders and investors
• Alternate routes via Oman discussed amid airspace restrictions
• Daily life in Dubai stable but travel uncertainty remains

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“Haven’t heard any new boom sounds since yesterday afternoon. But in the last couple of days, I have seen a few drones fly around that got intercepted. I live on the 12th floor, and I could see smoke in the City Walk area here in Dubai,” said Sidharth Sogani, Founder and CEO of Blue Aster Capital.

Sogani was scheduled to return to Mumbai for Holi when his flight was cancelled.

His experience reflects the broader unease among Indian founders, venture capital investors and family offices caught in the recent geopolitical flare-up in the West Asia.

Dubai is not merely a transit point. Over the past decade, it has become a crucial node for India’s startup ecosystem, hosting venture capital firms, sovereign wealth funds, crypto funds, global family offices and a fast-growing base of founders and influencers.

Investor meetings, outbound sales pitches, fundraising discussions and cross-border expansion strategies frequently run through the Gulf hub. When flights stall, business corridors feel the impact.

Over the past week, escalating tensions in the West Asia following fresh cross-border strikes and drone interceptions raised fears of a wider regional confrontation. The flare-up led to heightened security responses and temporary airspace restrictions across parts of the Gulf, disrupting key aviation corridors that connect India with Europe, the US and West Asia.

According to four people, including investors and founders, airlines have begun notifying passengers about the resumption of select routes. The updates have brought some relief, but travellers remain cautious.

“We’re being notified on some flights resuming, so we’re all on standby. If not outbound for India, at least Oman, Saudi or Muscat and then we find a way to hop into our country,” one person said. “But for now, it’s all up in the air.”

Some are postponing travel altogether. One founder who was scheduled to return to India this week has delayed the trip to later this week or next, choosing to stay in San Francisco longer instead of risking uncertainty mid-transit.

The Oman workaround and road-to-border exits

As commercial flights remain patchy, alternate routes are being actively discussed in investor WhatsApp groups.

Rahul Chowdhri, Partner at Stellaris Venture Partners, said that while the situation inside Dubai is calmer than perceived externally, outbound connectivity remains the key challenge.

“Dubai itself is very calm if one wants to,” Chowdhri said, based on conversations with stakeholders across the startup ecosystem.

For Indian passport holders, one workaround is to exit the UAE via the Hatta border and travel onward through Oman.

Travellers can take a cab from Dubai to the UAE side of the Hatta border, complete immigration formalities, cross into Oman via bus, and then proceed to Muscat, roughly a four-hour journey from the border. From Muscat, flights to Indian cities are operational.

Those with US or UK visas can obtain an Oman visa on arrival; others must apply for an e-visa online. Immigration clearance itself can take around two hours even without queues. Some airlines, including Etihad, have also restarted select services, offering an option for those willing to wait.

Still, not everyone is convinced road exits are straightforward. One investor currently stuck in Dubai with family described the situation as chaotic.

“It’s crazy here. There are a lot of hacks and solutions floating around, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Some routes are opening up by road but that takes long and it’s all uncertain.”

Operations intact, anxiety amplified

Despite the disruption, daily life in Dubai continues. Sogani said the situation appears to have stabilised since last afternoon.

“I was supposed to fly back yesterday to Mumbai for Holi. But my Air India flight got cancelled. Then I tried Emirates, but I couldn’t get a seat,” he said.

Quick delivery platforms such as Talabat and Careem are functioning, and offices remain operational.

“The Dubai government has been good in managing the situation,” Sogani added.

He also pointed to a widening perception gap. “Indian television media may have exaggerated some of the happenings that’s caused panic within my family back home. Also, local media here would definitely try to downplay the whole thing to control panic.”

Within startups, contingency protocols are active.

One SaaS founder, requesting anonymity, said members of their outbound sales team are currently stuck in the region.

“We are ensuring they are well protected and safe. We are getting timely updates from them. But overall, the situation is grim. We really hope this is short-term and people are safe.”

Another AI founder who had travelled for an investor meeting is exploring the fastest route home.

“Work is not impacted. We can work from anywhere. The fear is real. Quick services are running; there are no issues. But hoping things go back to normal soon.”

(With inputs from Tushar Goenka)