Panic and helpless ness have gripped Goans across the Gulf after Iran’s strikes on key installations triggered air space restrictions and flight cancellations, leaving many feeling there is no immediate escape. Flight operations at Dabolim and Mopa airport were dis rupted on March 2, 2026, with services to Bahrain and Doha cancelled due to temporary airspace restrictions affecting westbound travel.
At Dabolim, flight GF0284 from Bahrain, scheduled to arrive at 3:30 am, and flight GF0285 from Goa, scheduled to depart at 4:30 am, were cancelled. At Mopa, flight QR 522 to Doha, scheduled at 2:35 am, was among the affected services. Authorities have advised passengers to confirm flight details with airlines before proceeding to the airport, stating they are closely monitoring developments and co ordinating with carriers to minimise inconvenience while prioritising passenger safety. For Goans living in the Gulf, however, the cancellations signal more than inconvenience — they reinforce a grow ing sense of confinement and uncertainty. In the United Arab Emirates, Vashanti Kawathankar at tempted to reassure family members back home. “We are safe here. Everything is under control.” Yet others described a far more anxious atmosphere. Speaking from Dubai, Rinaldo Fernandes said employees at his company had been granted leave. “We have been asked not to report to work. Our employ er has provided our salary along with an additional amount and asked us to remain indoors. Work will resume later. However, we are living in a panicky situation because we can hear missiles being targeted at various places, and war sirens are blaring. When we went to the supermarket, it was packed to full capacity, with people resorting to panic buying. We hope the situation subsides soon,” he said. In Abu Dhabi, Pearl Almeida described a city on edge. “It is a panic situation, especially since the airport is closed, which is causing greater concern. Our company has shut down operations for a few days because of the war. The streets are largely deserted, with only a few vehicles on the roads. People are seeking divine intervention and praying that peace prevails and everyone remains safe,” she said. For families, the fear has been deeply personal. From Bahrain, Maria Fernandes recounted a distressing night. “Last night, when the incident occurred, my son had taken my little grandson out for a ride as it was the week end. The child heard the loud blasts and has since been unable to sleep, screaming in fright. It was his first experi ence of such thunderous sounds. The streets are deserted, and people have resorted to panic buying. All we can do is pray to God to save the emirate and everyone around,” she said. In Kuwait, Joao Antonio Fernandes said the situation had marginally improved compared to the previous day, though anxiety persisted. “The sirens, however, continue to blare, and the fear is still in the air. Most people have stayed indoors and are hoping the crisis ends soon. If it continues, it could have a devastating effect not only on the Middle East but on the entire world. The region has always opened its doors to ex patriates. If the economy is affected, it will be disastrous,” he said. A Bahrain national described a country shaken by un precedented strikes. “Expats are feeling very scared, and many want to leave Bahrain. A residential tower and part of a hotel were slightly damaged. Locals are angry and sad dened by the situation. Although the authorities say the situation is under control and are being transparent with updates, people are panicking because Bahrain has never experienced such strikes before. Bakeries were busy yes terday, but markets and supermarkets were not as crowd ed.” In Qatar, Goan Welfare Association President Simon D’Silva said authorities were on high alert. “Though the situation is not serious, the Ministry of De fence in Qatar is alerting citizens and residents about the safety measures to be taken. They have been advised to stay indoors and not go out unless necessary. People have been asked to work from home and to avoid going near any vital installations, especially defence areas. Missiles fired by Iran could be seen in the sky, and the explosions caused vibrations. Though I am 40 km away from the central com mand area, we could hear the sound of the missiles. Iran is targeting only the US air base. All Goans and Indians are safe,” he said. For many long-term residents, the crisis has struck at the heart of the life they have built over decades. “As a long-term resident of Bahrain, this situation feels deeply personal. The Gulf has been home for years — it’s where we were born and brought up, schooled, and where we built our lives, friendships, and memories. As a mother, my first instinct is protection. You stay calm on the outside, but inside you’re constantly thinking about what your child is going through — are they feeling safe, are they anxious? As a wife, you hold your strength together, reassuring each other while quietly checking updates,” Deborah D’Souza said. “What truly brings comfort are the swift and visible protective measures taken by the government of Bahrain — clear communication, safety advisories, and the readi ness of authorities. Having a supportive team at work that understands the situation also helps. It reassures us that we’re not alone. My family in India calls often, worried, but we remain grateful, cautious, and hopeful,” Deeann Lobo said. With flights cancelled and airspace uncertain, many Goans in the Gulf say the greatest fear is not just the sound of sirens — but the feeling of having nowhere to go if the crisis deepens.
