Travel expert Simon Calder has urged stranded Britons in the Middle East to 'just be patient' following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. Hundreds of thousands of travellers are stuck in destinations such as Qatar and Abu Dhabi after airlines including British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways grounded flights due to Iranian retaliatory strikes.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Calder described the situation as unprecedented, noting that Dubai International, Doha, and Abu Dhabi airports all closed simultaneously. He highlighted that over 250,000 passengers were due to fly through Dubai alone on Saturday, and many were left stranded after airspace closures.
Calder warned that air passenger rights rules do not apply equally for those flying to Europe on non-UK or non-EU airlines, leaving passengers with limited options. He added that when flights resume, those with cancelled bookings will be at the back of the queue, competing for available seats.
The strikes reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sparking further regional instability. British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE have been advised to shelter in place and follow local authorities' instructions.
