Dubai-Bound Emirates Passengers Stranded Overnight At Zurich Airport After Flight Delay

Some passengers on Emirates flight EK086 bound for Dubai endured a gruelling night at Zurich Airport after their flight was delayed overnight on July 19 due to a technical issue .

While some travellers were provided with hotel accommodation, others - particularly those holding single-entry Schengen visas - were unable to leave the airport terminal.

With most airport facilities and restaurants closing at 11pm, these passengers found themselves effectively stranded, without access to food, proper rest facilities, or clear information.

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Some affected passengers spoke to Khaleej Times to vent their frustration and said they had to spend the night in the corridors of the airport on make-shift beds.

“We literally have nowhere to go and no way to wait this out comfortably. Flight back tomorrow at 8pm as Emirates airline announced," Negin Jafari, one of the passengers, posted at around 1am on Sunday (July 20).

By 2am on Sunday, the she shared a photo of makeshift beds inside the terminal, writing:“So this is how it ends up for us. We have to wait here till tomorrow for any updates. The only hope for food is when the Emirates lounge opens at 8.30am."

Later that morning, at 9am, she posted another update:“We're still stuck here - hungry, exhausted, and with no clear answers. We can't even leave this area to buy food ourselves. Literally trapped in the airport with nothing. This is unbelievable."

In a statement to Khaleej Times, an Emirates spokesperson confirmed the delay. "Emirates flight EK086 from Zurich to Dubai on July 19 experienced an overnight delay due to a technical issue. Affected passengers have been provided with food and refreshments, and hotel accommodation where possible.

"Regrettably, some passengers were unable to leave the airport; however, we worked closely with the airport authority to ensure they received the best possible support under the circumstances."

The airline added that the flight was rescheduled for departure at 8pm local time on July 20.

“Emirates sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance,” the spokesperson added.

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