Ahmedabad: An Ahmedabad–Dubai flight was forced to turn back mid-air and return to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport early Monday after operations at Dubai airport were briefly disrupted due to rising tensions in the Gulf region.

Emirates flight EK539, carrying more than 250 passengers, departed at around 5.11 am but was instructed to return after Dubai temporarily suspended flight operations. The aircraft landed safely in Ahmedabad at 7.55 am. The flight remained cancelled for the Tuesday.

In a related incident, Emirates flight EK649 travelling from Colombo to Dubai was diverted to Ahmedabad following the disruption.

Airport officials said flight operations at Ahmedabad airport continued normally despite the diversions. Passengers have been advised to check their flight schedules in advance in view of the ongoing situation in the Gulf. DeshGujarat