a day ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Actor Viineet Singh's Dubai-India flight delayed in conflict, says 'staff handled it well'
[Editor's Note: Follow the KT live blog for live updates on the Israel-Iran conflict.]
For Indian actor Viineet Kumar Singh, his first visit to Dubai could have ended in a kerfuffle, thanks to the temporary UAE airspace closure after Iran attacked a US military base in Qatar.
The actor was at the Dubai Airport on Monday night, ready to board an Emirates flight to Mumbai, when the suspension of flights cause an hour of delay.
While many passengers were worried, Singh did not panic, he told Khaleej Times after safely reaching India. Recounting the experience, he said, "My flight was supposed to take off at 9:40, and I was waiting close to the gate. However, boarding did not start even as we approached takeoff time, which led to passengers wondering whether our departure would be affected."
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"My wife was worried"
The Mukkabaaz actor had posted a story on Instagram at 9:23pm that he was waiting at the gate for departure.
"I usually try to stay calm during any crisis, as panicking doesn't help. But I started getting calls from friends and family who were worried about me. We heard that flights from the UAE were affected because of Iran's attack on US military base in Qatar," Singh said.
"My wife is pregnant, she was waiting for me in Mumbai and checking in constantly. I told her not to worry," he shared.
Singh said that there was no cause for worry as the airline and airport staff handled the situation efficiently.
"The staff at the Dubai airport ensured everyone stayed calm and assured passengers that they would have some information soon. They handled the situation very well," Singh added.
The flight then took off around 10:45, an hour after scheduled departure.
"Extended my stay to explore"
This was Singh's first trip to Dubai. Here to attend a media summit, Singh extended his stay to spend 5-6 days in the UAE. Despite the heat, he went around meeting friends and visiting places to see in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
"I was quite fascinated by how this spectacular city has been built on a desert, so I wanted to explore as much as possible. I went to Old Dubai, explored the Souk, went to the Marina. I also took a walk on the beach in the evening. I did not let the heat deter me," Singh shared, adding that he hoped to be back soon.
Singh also visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. "It was a special experience to offer prayers at the temple," he said.
