The sudden closure of UAE and Qatar airspace late Monday night — after missiles were fired from Iran towards US bases in Qatar and Iraq — disrupted commercial air traffic. Actor Viineet Kumar Siingh, who had been in Dubai for a week, was scheduled to return to Mumbai that night and managed to reach home safely despite the tension.

Recalling the experience, the Chhaava actor said, “My flight was to take off at 9.40 pm and everything seemed normal at first. But suddenly, all activity at the airport came to a halt and passengers started panicking. I began receiving calls from family and friends in Dubai — that’s when I realized how serious the situation was. Kudos to the airport authorities and airline staff — we managed to get to India safely.”

His family, especially his pregnant wife Ruchira, was worried until he landed. “We’re expecting our baby in July,”

Viineet shared. “She was really stressed about my return and welcomed me with a tight hug.”