Indian H1B Visa Holders Panic, Flight Out Of SFO Delayed

Photo: Screengrab @mashraana instagram

India-West Staff Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — An Emirates flight bound for India was held up for hours on September 19 after President Donald Trump abruptly announced a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, sparking panic among Indian travelers.

Several passengers reportedly asked to leave the San Francisco International Airport flight minutes before takeoff, leaving crew members to manage the situation, social media videos and reels said. The decision is said to have triggered a chain reaction that delayed departure by more than three hours – India-West has not been able to verify this independently.

Videos shared on social media captured the tension inside the cabin. In one clip, passengers stood in the aisles while others sat silently, scrolling on their phones, uncertain about what was happening.

In another recording, the captain addressed travelers directly: “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the captain speaking. Due to the current circumstances, which are unprecedented for us here at Emirates, we are aware that a number of passengers do not wish to travel with us, and that’s perfectly fine. All we ask is that if you wish to offload yourself, you do so.”

One Instagram user who posted the footage described the morning as a scene of mass confusion. “It was complete chaos for Emirates passengers at San Francisco Airport this September 19 morning. President Trump signed an order affecting both new and existing H-1B visa holders, creating panic among many—particularly Indian passengers—who even chose to leave the aircraft,” the user wrote.

The same passenger said they remained stranded on the runway for more than three hours, “waiting for the flight to depart.” (with input of several Indian media reports)