The first wave of Singaporeans stranded in the Middle East due to escalating regional tensions began returning home on March 5, greeted by emotional reunions at Changi Airport. Days of flight cancellations, triggered by airspace closures across the region, left many scrambling for limited seats and enduring anxious waits for safe passage. The resumption of limited flights by Emirates and Etihad Airways offered a crucial lifeline, bringing a collective sigh of relief to families who had been anxiously monitoring the situation.
The crisis unfolded rapidly following the exchange of attacks between the United States and Israel and Iran, significantly disrupting air travel across a major global transit hub. Thousands of travellers found themselves stranded as countries including Israel, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq temporarily closed their airspace. The situation underscored the vulnerability of international travel to geopolitical instability, and the immediate priority for many Singaporeans became securing a route home.
Reunions at Changi Airport
At Terminal 1, the arrival hall buzzed with anticipation as families gathered, clutching flowers and signs. Mr. Shawn Sim expressed the worry that had consumed him during the past few days, constantly checking on his 63-year-old mother, Madam Law Chai Eng, who was returning from a holiday in Dubai. “I was constantly checking on her every hour,” he said. Madam Law and her friends recounted witnessing missile strikes while in Dubai, describing them as “fire rockets” and admitting they knew “war (had) officially started.”
Ms. Geraldine Lin waited with her in-laws to meet her husband, Mr. Carl Rajoo, an economist who had been on a business trip to Dubai. His original Singapore Airlines flight on February 28 was cancelled while he was en route to the airport, forcing him to rebook. “The experience was definitely a bit traumatic,” Ms. Lin shared, “but I am thankful that my husband is safe.” His mother added, “We are waiting anxiously to notice his face.” Mr. Rajoo arrived on Emirates flight EK314, landing at approximately 8:15 am, and was met with joyous relief.
Mr. Carl Rajoo, who returned from Dubai, was greeted by his wife Geraldine Lin at Changi Airport Terminal 1 on March 5. (ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)
Other passengers on the same flight echoed the sentiment of relief. Mr. Anil George, a technology manager originally scheduled to return on February 28, said, “I was so happy when we took off.” Business owner Anabelle Lim, who had been in Dubai since February 19, added, “The first thing I’m going to do is sleep. My nervous system has been up the whole time. Nothing beats the feeling of touching down safely at home after being in a war zone.”
Navigating Complex Travel Arrangements
Emirates and Etihad Airways announced on March 4 the resumption of limited flights from the UAE to Singapore, prompting the Singapore embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to advise citizens to secure tickets quickly via the airlines’ websites. The demand was exceptionally high, making the booking process challenging for many.
Some Singaporeans faced particularly complex journeys. Mr. Muhammad Hafiz Noorahman, a Mercy Relief board member, had been volunteering at refugee camps in the West Bank since February 26. With Tel Aviv airport closed, he and his colleagues travelled to Amman, Jordan, on March 3, following guidance from the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The four-hour land journey was followed by flights to Istanbul and then a 10-hour Turkish Airlines flight back to Singapore, culminating in a tearful reunion with his family. “I had goosebumps hearing the explosions from the missile strikes,” Mr. Hafiz said, expressing gratitude for the support received from the Ministry and local organizations.
Ongoing Disruptions and Future Travel
Despite the resumption of some flights, disruptions continued. Five flights scheduled to arrive from Doha and Qatar on March 5 – QR942, QR048, QR944, EK348, and EK354 – were cancelled. Passengers scheduled to travel to Dubai were also affected, with some finding themselves queuing for the 10:30 am EK315 flight, hoping to finally reach their destination.
Passengers checking in for Flight EK315 to Dubai at Changi Airport Terminal 1 on March 5. (ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)
Singaporean Mandy Toh, a Dubai resident of 22 years, described a “frustrating and disappointing” three-day struggle to rebook her cancelled flight. While relieved to secure a seat, she acknowledged her family’s concerns about her return to the Middle East and admitted to feeling nervous herself. “I know I’m in safe hands. Emirates would not be flying if it is not safe, so I’m sure there’s a safe corridor they’re flying through,” she said.
As the situation in the Middle East remains fluid, the aviation landscape will continue to be closely monitored. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to provide travel advisories and assistance to Singaporeans in the region. Travellers are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and heed the guidance of authorities. The return of these Singaporeans marks a significant moment of relief, but the potential for further disruptions remains, highlighting the importance of preparedness and vigilance when travelling in volatile regions.
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