Ludhiana: Couple cancel Dubai wedding amid war
It has long been a preferred destination for residents to host grand functions
Escalating conflicts between Iran and Israel is no longer restricted to the two nations, with its visible effects now being felt across neighbouring countries. Growing tensions have triggered uncertainty and panic among travellers, particularly those planning to visit the West Asia.
Dubai has long been a preferred destination for residents of Ludhiana and nearby areas to host grand weddings. However, a wedding scheduled to take place in Dubai this month has been called off amid prevailing uncertainty in the region.
The family has now shifted wedding functions to Chandigarh and is exploring other viable options, including Delhi and Jaipur. An invitee said pre-wedding functions commenced in Chandigarh on Sunday while the wedding is scheduled for the second week of March.
“We had already booked flight tickets and the hosts had arranged a two-day stay package for guests at a hotel. We have even planned to extend our stay by another two days. However, given the present situation, we were told that the Dubai wedding has been cancelled. Both families are now considering alternatives in Chandigarh or other cities such as Delhi or Jaipur,” the invitee said.
Pawan Bhatia of Oneness Air Travels here said several flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi scheduled for the coming week had been cancelled. He said travellers returning to Ludhiana from destinations such as Birmingham and the Netherlands are seeking to reroute their journeys to avoid stopovers in Doha, Dubai and other West Asian cities.
“There is panic among travellers due to the escalating tensions between Iran, the US and Israel,” he said.
Meanwhile, another family planning their daughter’s wedding in Dubai in the end of the month said preparations had been finalised and the guest list was being prepared.
“There is tension and uncertainty. We are hoping the situation improves in coming days so that the wedding can be conducted peacefully. However, we are unsure whether guests will be willing to travel given the prevailing circumstances. For now, we are adopting a wait-and-watch approach,” said a close relative of the bride-to-be.
