As tensions continue to simmer across West Asia, Indians returning from Dubai, Muscat and Abu Dhabi say this year’s Holi and Eid will carry a deeper meaning. For many, the celebrations will not only mark the festivals but also their safe return home. With flight operations gradually returning to normal at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Tuesday, passengers began arriving after days of uncertainty. Many looked visibly exhausted after disrupted travel plans, yet the overriding emotion was relief. Several returning passengers echoed the same sentiment, that nothing feels as safe as home in India. For many families waiting at the airport, the anxiety of the past few days was evident. (News18 Hindi)

According to a TOI report, relatives had been closely monitoring flight updates and staying in constant contact with loved ones stranded abroad. Anshika, a 30-year-old resident of Gurugram, had been anxiously waiting for her husband. He was originally scheduled to travel from Dubai to London but had to reroute to Delhi via Oman as the situation worsened. The couple had married on February 14, making this their first Holi together. “For the last few days we were checking on him almost every hour. Hearing alerts and security announcements made everyone nervous,” she said, adding that the festival now holds a new meaning. “This Holi is not just about colours. It’s about being together and feeling safe,” she added. (News18 Hindi)

Flight operations at Delhi airport have been affected for four consecutive days due to the closure of certain airspace routes. At least 80 flights were cancelled on Tuesday alone, including 36 departures and 44 arrivals, while more than 200 flights were delayed. The disruption followed earlier cancellations of 104 flights on Sunday and 87 on Monday. To assist stranded passengers, immigration authorities issued more than 300 temporary entry permits. Additional information counters and quick-response teams were deployed at the airport to manage the crowds and guide travellers. (News18 Hindi)

Akash Saxena, a real estate businessman from Saket, described the atmosphere in Dubai as tense but orderly. He recalled the moment he first heard the sound of a missile interception. “I was speaking to my mother on the phone when it happened. It was frightening,” he said. Saxena added that local authorities appeared alert and the situation remained largely controlled. Still, he said returning home felt like the safest decision. (News18 Hindi)

Deepa, a resident of Noida who had travelled to Dubai on a holiday, said uncertainty over flight schedules initially made her uneasy. Her family kept constant track of developments through news updates while staying in touch with her over phone calls. “Things were mostly normal locally, but the uncertainty made us nervous,” she said, adding that she felt immediate relief upon landing in India. “Now I’m just looking forward to celebrating the festivals with my family,” she added. (News18 Hindi)

For Neeta, 65, who had travelled to Abu Dhabi with her daughter, the tense atmosphere prompted precautionary measures. The two moved from their hotel to a relative’s home where emergency arrangements had been made in the basement. “Taking precautions felt necessary. Coming back early turned out to be the right decision,” she said, adding, “Festivals only feel special when your family is with you and your mind is at peace.” (News18 Hindi)

For many of the returning travellers, the journey back to India has turned into a moment of reunion and gratitude. Amid global uncertainty, Holi and Eid have taken on a deeper significance this year, not just as festivals of colour and faith, but as celebrations of safety, family and home. (News18 Hindi)