PV Sindhu stranded in Dubai amid Israel-Iran tensions, Indian Embassy steps in

Amid escalating military tensions in West Asia that have triggered widespread airspace closures and flight disruptions, Indian badminton star PV Sindhu has been stranded in Dubai but is safe, with the Indian Embassy stepping in to assist her. The crisis follows coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliatory actions, which have disrupted key Gulf air corridors and left several passengers, including Sindhu and her team, caught in uncertainty.

Sindhu’s father, PV Ramana, said on Sunday that she is being looked after by the Indian Embassy in Dubai. Speaking to ANI over the phone, he said he spoke to his daughter around 3 am and confirmed that the embassy had arranged accommodation for her.

"I spoke with my daughter early this morning around 3 am. She said the Indian Embassy is taking care of her, and they've put her up in a hotel," PV Ramana told ANI.


Earlier on Saturday night, the two-time Olympic medallist shared a post on X expressing fear and concern over the escalating conflict. She said she could hear interceptions overhead and described the situation in Dubai as frightening.

In her post, Sindhu wrote, "It's hard to process what's unfolding right now. Hearing the interceptions overhead and seeing how quickly everything has escalated is honestly terrifying. So many disturbing videos are coming to light, and this is sadly the reality of what is happening. Dubai is a city I deeply love, a place that has always felt safe and full of life, which makes this moment even harder to comprehend."


She thanked those who had reached out to her and assured them of her safety, while noting that she remained stranded in Dubai with her team.

"To everyone who has been messaging and checking in, thank you; it truly means a lot. I am safe right now, stuck here in Dubai with my team, and we are doing okay as the situation around the war with Iran continues to evolve. The airport is chaotic, with many families stranded and waiting, all of us just hoping we get past this soon. Moments like these remind you how fragile normal life really is. Praying for safety and peace for everyone affected," she added.

In a subsequent post, Sindhu described a fresh incident near the airport and the tense moments that followed.

"The ordeal continues to unfold, and the situation is becoming more frightening by the hour.

A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly run out of the area as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was an extremely tense and scary moment for all of us.

We are all safe now and have been moved to a more secure place, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff at Dubai Airport and the Dubai authorities. A special thanks as well to the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their incredible support and constant assistance in helping keep us safe.

For now, we are trying to get some rest and hold on to hope as we wait for things to settle."

According to Iranian state media outlet Press TV, the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in Israeli-US strikes on Sunday. In retaliation, Iran carried out strikes in Gulf countries.

Airspace closures due to Israel-Iran conflict

The escalation prompted multiple countries in the region, including Iran and Iraq, to shut their airspace, disrupting major international flight corridors.

Airlines across India have rerouted or cancelled several services as a precaution, while airports have set up help desks to assist stranded passengers.

Air India and IndiGo said they are in constant coordination with aviation authorities and are closely monitoring the situation. The airlines stated that operations will resume once safe flight corridors become available and advised passengers to rely on official updates as developments continue.