The students go to the Indira School of Business Studies in Pune, and went to Dubai in two groups as part of the school’s yearly worldwide program. Forty were supposed to come home on February 28th, and the other forty-four were set to fly on March 1st.
When countries in the area began to limit who could fly in their air space – after attacks by the military and attacks in response – flights all over the Middle East were stopped. This stopped the students’ planned flights home, and the group is now in a hotel in Dubai, school authorities have said.
What the school is doing for the students
Leaders at the school have made clear that all eighty-four students, and the teachers with them, are safe and being looked after. Dr. Janardan Pawar – the dean of the School of Information Technology at Indira University – stated that students are being watched, and the school is constantly in touch with their families.
Tarita Shankar, the chairperson, said the group was moved to a safe place to stay, and staff are with the students. The school is giving them help with practical things and emotional support, and is keeping parents up to date, while also watching how the safety situation is changing.
Why the air space is closed, and the danger
The trouble with travel happened after a major military exchange in the region. Following an attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, Iran replied with drones and missiles that hit several places in the Middle East, including places in the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai International Airport – a very important airport worldwide – had a little damage to its structure when bits from something falling hit an area where people waited, and some people were hurt. The air defense that happened as a result made the authorities close the air space, causing flights to be cancelled and delayed all over the area.
Working with the government, and plans to get the students home
School authorities say they are working very closely with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to get the students home. These departments usually deal with helping citizens abroad and giving permission for flights during crises, and will give advice on how to safely get the students back.
What is needed, and when it might happen
At the moment, no one knows when flights will start again, or when special flights can be arranged. The usual choices are to put people on flights when the routes are open again, to arrange flights to get people out, or to work with airlines when the authorities allow flights.
The school and families are still getting updates, and the students’ safety is the biggest concern. Any plan to get the students home will depend on what aviation authorities say, and on diplomatic permission, so when it will happen is not sure.
What this means for school trips abroad, and managing risk
This incident shows how at risk international school trips are when world politics get worse. Schools that organise trips to other countries might need to look at their risk assessment, travel insurance, and plans for when sudden problems happen.
Universities and people who organise the programs should have clear lines to consulates and aviation authorities, and should prepare families with sensible plans for emergencies. Giving mental health support and clear updates can also lower worry for students and parents.
The eighty-four MBA students from Pune are safe at the moment, being helped by their school, and are in regular contact with their family members. Officials are still working with government departments to get the group home as soon as it is safe.
