Infosys, HCLTech executives stranded in Abu Dhabi and Dubai while en route to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, reports say

Several people remain stranded at airports amid war escalation

Several senior executives from IT majors, including Infosys and HCLTech, have been stranded in Abu Dhabi and Dubai while travelling to attend the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, sources quoted by CNBC-TV18 said, as flight disruptions in the Gulf region threw international travel plans into uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the Times of India early on Sunday reported that several well-known political figures and business leaders from Indore remain stuck in Dubai after flights were cancelled amid rising tensions in West Asia, sources said.

According to people familiar with the matter as per the TOI report, the group had travelled to Dubai for a business visit and was scheduled to return on Sunday. However, they were later informed that their flight back had been cancelled.

Those reportedly stranded include businessman Praveen Kakkad, businessman Pintu Chhabra, former MLA Sanjay Shukla and former MLA Vishal Patel, among others. Attempts to reach some of them for comment were unsuccessful.

A person close to one of the businessmen, requesting anonymity, said, “They had gone in a group for a business trip.”

The stranded group has reached out to the Indian Embassy and has been assured that conditions are expected to stabilise soon, sources said as per the TOI report.

Former MLA Sanjay Shukla said late on Saturday that he, along with his family and friends, is safe in Dubai. In a post on X, he wrote, “I want to assure everyone that we are completely safe and well. Due to the current international situation, the temporary closure of Dubai airport has prevented our return to India today. We are receiving full support and assistance from the governments of Dubai and India.”

Travel agents in Madhya Pradesh said multiple passengers from the state are now unsure about revised travel schedules and return arrangements. In addition, some pilgrims who had travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah are also reported to be impacted by the disruption.