Mumbai airport sees emotional reunions as fliers return from West Asia

Mohammad Shaleem, who owns a computer shop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, holds his baby at Mumbai airport. Pic/Sarthak Mehta

The arrival gate at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus witnessed a rare heartwarming scene on Friday, as a flier held his newborn baby for the first time. Passengers arriving from Abu Dhabi and Dubai told mid-day the on-ground situation in West Asia seemed normal, and they were delighted to reunite with their families in India.

Mohammad Shaleem (centre), a computer shop owner, reunites with his family at the Mumbai airport after arriving from Dubai on Friday. Pic/Sarthak Mehta

Mohammad Shaleem, Computer shop owner in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who arrived from Dubai
‘It's been almost a year since I visited India. Usually, I come back every six months. This time, I was occupied with work. Now, I have returned amid the war just for my baby. Spending time with her in her newborn stage is unparalleled. She is 1.5 months old, and I am holding her for the first time; the feeling is surreal'

Ahmad (right), who arrived in Mumbai from Abu Dhabi

Ahmad, Passenger from Abu Dhabi
‘Some media houses have inflated the situation; it's not that bad. We were safe there. We flew Etihad, as there was no Indian airline option. Two tickets cost more than Rs 50,000'

Flier Haseeb Shaikh poses with his sister Sara Shaikh

Haseeb, A flier from Abu Dhabi
‘I work in Abu Dhabi. This is my first time travelling back to India since the unrest began. Initially, I was scared of travelling via air, but after being assured by a few friends who had gone through the experience, I finally decided to travel yesterday [Thursday]. The situation in Abu Dhabi is pretty usual and safe'

Ticket availability and costs

According to Etihad and Emirates passengers, ticket availability was not an issue, with some even claiming they booked just a day prior. Ticket costs were reportedly steep till Friday, ranging from Rs 16,000 to Rs 65,000