Argus News - “Deeply Unsettling…”: Says Odisha Youth Stranded in Doha as Middle East War Escalates

Bhubaneswar, Mar 2: Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, several Indian nationals have been stranded in affected countries — among them is Prateek Dev Das, a native of Cuttack, Odisha.

Prateek is currently stranded in Doha, Qatar. He was en route to Romania when the situation in the Middle East worsened, following Iranian airstrikes across multiple countries, including Qatar.

Speaking to ‘Argus Digital’, Prateek recounted the ordeals he faced along with several other stranded Indians in Doha. “The situation out here is completely beyond our control. And all we could do is hope for conditions to improve soon,” said the Odisha youth with optimism.

Also Read: Bhubaneswar-Dubai Flight Cancelled Amid US-Iran Conflict

“Being far away from home and family in such uncertain circumstances is deeply unsettling, something no one expects or wishes to experience,” he added.

Prateek had boarded a flight from Bangalore on February 28 (3:30 AM) to Romania via Doha. The flight reached Doha at 5:55 AM Doha time (8:25 IST). He had a connecting flight to Romania from Doha, which took off at 9:15 AM Doha time.

“Everything seemed fine when we boarded the flight, but the situation changed drastically as the war escalated. About two hours after takeoff, the flight was forced to return to Doha. Passengers were left confused and unsettled, unsure of what was happening,” recalled Prateek.

Prateek, along with other passengers, spent nearly 24 hours at the airport before being shifted to the Pullman Hotel, a five‑star property in Doha West Bay.

He contacted the Indian embassy in Doha, which assured passengers that updates on flight operations would be provided by 9 AM on Monday. However, when he followed up, officials informed him that the situation remained unsafe and flight services were still suspended.

Prateek also revealed that he witnessed smoke from explosions in the distance. “Though not in close proximity, I saw smoke from explosions in the distance. It was truly unsettling,” he recalled.  

He remains in touch with friends stranded in other parts of Doha as well as contacts in Dubai, all of whom are facing similar uncertainty due to the conflict.

“Yes, some of my friends are also stranded — a few in different parts of Doha and others in Dubai. One of them — in Doha — even shared a recorded video showing drone movements and informing about explosions in nearby areas,” revealed Prateek.

Prateek’s father, who is in Cuttack, is deeply anxious about his son’s situation in Doha. Seeking assistance, he has appealed to both the Odisha Government and the Centre to ensure Prateek’s safe evacuation.

Conflict Scenario

The Middle East is witnessing heightened turmoil as the US-Iran conflict intensifies, compounded by Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory missile attacks on US bases and Israeli territory. Iran has also targeted Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Oman, and Kuwait.

The escalation has prompted widespread airspace closures across West Asia and the Gulf, severely disrupting international travel and trade. Major transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi have faced extended shutdowns, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute hundreds of flights.