The escalating conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran has left hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded across the Middle East. Widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures have created a chaotic situation, with many individuals scrambling to determine their next steps. In a matter of days, the situation has intensified, particularly with attacks in Gulf states where airports serve as critical hubs connecting passengers to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Despite ongoing evacuation efforts, air travel remains severely disrupted, impacting tourists, business travelers, migrant workers, and others.
The crisis unfolds following a coordinated military operation by the U.S. And Israel that, according to President Trump, resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and dozens of other high-ranking officials as reported by the Associated Press. This action triggered a strong response from Iran, escalating the dispute into a broader regional war. The U.S. Has sunk an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, and NATO forces intercepted an Iranian missile headed for Turkey according to CNN Español.
Several travelers shared their experiences with the Associated Press, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by those caught in the middle of the unfolding crisis. The situation highlights the vulnerability of international travel during periods of geopolitical instability and the ripple effects of conflict on civilian populations.
A Family’s Vacation Disrupted
Viktoriia Lokhmatova, a resident of Serbia, and Michael Crepin, from Belgium, traveled to Dubai with their children to celebrate a special milestone. Their flight was scheduled to allow their children – Anny, 8, and Gabriel, 13 – to meet for the first time, coinciding with both families’ February birthdays. However, their return flight was canceled due to regional airspace disruptions following the outbreak of war. A subsequent booking was similarly canceled, leaving the family searching for a way home while facing the costs of an extended stay.
“We were on calls with the airline for almost two days trying to figure out another flight,” Lokhmatova stated. While seeking alternatives, she discovered an initiative by local vacation rental operators offering temporary accommodation to stranded travelers. The couple and their children were offered a one-night stay in an apartment managed by AraBnB Homes, a luxury rental company based in Dubai that opened vacant units to passengers unable to leave the city.
The temporary accommodation provided time to regroup and make arrangements for the remainder of their extended trip. During the initial days, they occasionally heard explosions from air defense systems intercepting missiles or drones, but “we tried to stay calm due to the fact that the children were there,” Crepin explained. They reported feeling safe and grateful for the opportunity to be together during the ordeal. They are now hoping to depart Dubai on Saturday, pending confirmation of their latest flight. They plan to travel together to Istanbul before separating: Lokhmatova and Anny will return to Serbia, while Crepin and Gabriel will head to Belgium.
Passengers arriving at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Valentina Stefanelli)
Flight Diverted Mid-Air
Varun Krishnan, founder of the Indian technology company Fone Arena, experienced a mid-flight diversion while traveling from Doha, Qatar, to Barcelona, Spain, to attend the Mobile World Congress conference. Approximately two hours into the flight, it became clear the aircraft was no longer heading towards its intended destination. Krishnan noted he was tracking the flight and observed it deviating from the planned route.
Just after breakfast was served, the captain announced the closure of Baghdad airspace due to security concerns. Instead of continuing over Iraq towards Europe, the plane began circling over the United Arab Emirates. Krishnan said the captain provided updates, “but people were still panicking.” As the aircraft prepared to land back in Doha, emergency notifications sounded throughout the cabin. Upon landing, long lines formed as departure boards displayed numerous cancellations.
Krishnan has been staying at a hotel since then and, as of Wednesday, was still awaiting confirmation from airlines regarding the resumption of flights.
U.S. Tourists Stranded in Dubai
Louise Herrle, a retiree from Pittsburgh, and her husband found themselves stranded in Dubai while on vacation when the conflict erupted. She told the AP that multiple flights had been canceled and they were scheduled to depart Thursday morning, but were unsure if that flight would also be canceled. They have heard aircraft flying overhead “from time to time,” as well as some explosions. Despite the “extremely stressful” situation, she has found support from other travelers. “It’s not a great experience, but it’s, you know, it’s a shared experience and that brings people together,” she said.
An Expat Family’s Precautions
Agnes Chen Pun, a Hong Kong expatriate who moved to Dubai with her husband and 18-month-old son last year, has been working to keep her family safe amid growing tensions in the UAE. They relocated twice: first to a resort approximately 90 minutes away in Fujairah, and then to one near the port city of Sharjah, after becoming concerned about potential attacks. “We were very nervous, very anxious,” said Chen, a partner at Asia Bankers Club, an investment firm based in Hong Kong and Dubai.
She eventually secured commercial tickets to Singapore for $2,200 per person, though their departure remains uncertain. Despite the disruption, Chen plans to return to the UAE once the situation stabilizes, considering the country an attractive place to live and work. “I think the scare, the fears, will be short-term. Definitely, safety is the most significant thing now,” she stated. “I’ll go to Hong Kong… wait (until) the war is over and then probably, definitely, come back again.”
Looking Ahead
The situation remains fluid as the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues to escalate. The closure of airspace and the cancellation of flights are expected to persist in the short term, leaving many travelers stranded and uncertain about their return journeys. The ongoing military actions and regional tensions underscore the fragility of international travel and the potential for unforeseen disruptions. The next few days will be critical in determining the trajectory of the conflict and its impact on civilian travel.
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