A British mother has accused the UK government and British Airways of failing her family after they were left stranded in a Dubai hotel during ongoing missile strikes and airport closures. Emma Hudson, 43, from Middlesbrough, has been trapped in the UAE since Saturday with her husband Paul and 14-year-old daughter Sadie, describing the ordeal as 'traumatising'.
The family is staying at the Sheraton Hotel in Jumeirah Beach, just ten minutes from the Fairmont Hotel, which was recently damaged by falling debris. Emma reported that clusters of bombs go off every morning at 9am, and on Sunday night they were forced to shelter in the hotel basement during a heavy bombardment. Her daughter is 'petrified' and hysterical, and Emma said she now jumps at the sound of card machines, mistaking them for bombs.
The family's main grievance is the lack of support from UK authorities and British Airways. Emma claims the airline told her to go to Dubai International Airport (DXB) to arrange accommodation, but she refused due to reports that the airport has been targeted twice. Her nephew attempted to visit the terminal but was immediately escorted out by security. The British Embassy merely advised her to 'stay inside' and suggested contacting local charities to help with mounting hotel bills. Their travel insurance has refused to cover the costs, citing 'acts of war'.
The family is paying £350 per day for their hotel on a credit card, with their earliest flight home now pushed back to March 9. British Airways has scheduled flights from Muscat, Oman, to London Heathrow on 6 and 7 March for customers in the UAE or Oman with existing bookings. A spokesperson urged customers to contact the airline on a dedicated phone line. The Foreign Office has updated its advice, noting that some commercial options are available but only if travellers can access them safely.
DXB remains largely closed to commercial traffic due to safety concerns, with 20,000 travellers still stuck in the UAE as of Wednesday, 5 March. High-altitude interceptions of Iranian drones and missiles continue to create loud bangs and falling debris across residential areas.
