Thousands of Britons have been left stranded in the Middle East after global airlines grounded hundreds of flights due to US and Israeli strikes against Iran. Iran and Iraq’s airspaces were closed, and Dubai International Airport, the world's biggest aviation hub, suspended all flights on Saturday.
Martin Boreham, on holiday in Dubai with his wife, was due to fly British Airways to Heathrow when the captain announced airspace closure. After three hours on the tarmac, passengers were told to re-enter immigration and await text messages. “It’s chaos here,” he said. “We just don’t know when we’re going to get out.”
Media professional Elliot Worthing was flying from Doha to Manchester on Qatar Airways but was diverted to Muscat, Oman, after Qatar’s airspace shut. Passengers were informed of attacks upon landing. “It’s not a delayed flight; it’s an attack,” he said, fearing being stranded for days.
Jonny Escott, a Dubai resident, had his Emirates flight from Newcastle cancelled. He and his partner returned to family in Hartlepool. “Everything’s on shutdown… no one has a clue what’s going to happen next,” he said.
Qatar Airways also suspended all flights from its Doha base. British journalist Rosie Murray-West is stranded in Doha as missiles are intercepted overhead. The situation remains fluid, with airlines advising passengers to check for updates.
