A British mother has criticised the UK government and British Airways for leaving her family stranded in Dubai amid 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, after what began as a winter sun holiday turned into a 'traumatising' ordeal.
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 described a terrifying daily routine where 'clusters of bombs' go off every morning at 9am. On Sunday night, they were forced to shelter in the hotel basement during a heavy bombardment, leaving her daughter 'petrified' and hysterical.
Emma claims British Airways told her to go to Dubai International Airport (DXB) to arrange accommodation, but she refused, citing 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 told her to 'stay inside' and suggested contacting local charities to help fund mounting hotel bills, which are costing £350 per day on a credit card. Their travel insurance has refused to cover 'acts of war'.
The earliest flight home is now pushed back to March 9. British Airways has scheduled flights from Muscat, Oman, to London Heathrow on 6 and 7 March, available for customers in the UAE or Oman with existing bookings. A spokesperson said: 'If any customers wish to travel on one of these flights, please contact us on our dedicated phone line at +44 203 467 3854.'
The Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its advice, noting that while some 'commercial options' are available, British nationals should only attempt to access them if they judge they can do so safely. DXB remains largely closed to commercial traffic, with 20,000 travellers 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.
