'Most Supportive Country': Stranded Travellers Praise UAE's Care After Airspace Closure

2026-03-01 11:14:24

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Tourists said UAE authorities provided free hotels, food and reassurance during an unsettling weekend amidst US-Israel-Iran conflict

[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]

An Indian influencer who was among the thousands of people stranded in the UAE after airspace closures, said that he and his family were well looked after, after their flights were cancelled. The influencer, who blogs under the pseudonym The iPad Info, said that his family was given free accommodation, food and transport on Saturday evening.

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He was at the Abu Dhabi airport on Saturday afternoon when he got to know that all flights were cancelled.“We came to UAE last week and were supposed to travel back to Bangalore on Saturday,” he told Khaleej Times.“At the airport, we came to know that all flights were cancelled. There were sirens and we received an alert on our phones to find shelter. A few hours later, they gave us free food and hotel vouchers.”

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He added that his family was transported to the hotel in a school bus and everyone he came across was helpful.“We were looked after very well and the staff was very supportive,” he said.“As airspace has not opened, our flight voucher was extended for a day for free. I loved how the UAE authorities were so considerate towards travellers. It is the most supportive country I have been in.”

On Saturday, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that it would cover all accommodation and sustenance costs for affected and stranded passengers, ensuring the continued provision of essential services during the operational adjustments.

Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has directed hotels across the capital to extend the stay of guests unable to travel due to the flight restrictions.

Meanwhile, several UAE businesses have come forward to help tourists who need support. Danube Properties offering temporary accommodation free of charge, with priority being given to families with children and those with elderly members. Holiday vacation rental Arabnb also offered free rooms to people stranded in Dubai.

Instant Humanity

Dubai resident Tushar Gagerna was on his flight to Delhi on Saturday when he was made to disembark at the Dubai airport. As news of the war spread, he said there were hushed conversations and an uncomfortable silence.

He pointed out that even in the face of uncertainty, the UAE showed its spirit.“Within a short time of disembarking, a dedicated waiting area was set up for all affected passengers,” he wrote on a LinkedIn post, adding that free water and food was handed out.

“Emergency visas were being issued on the spot for tourists. Think about that for a second. In the middle of a geopolitical crisis, with airspace shutting down and flights grounded - the UAE was actively making sure that visitors who had no plan to stay, who had no hotel booked, who were just passing through - were legally covered, safe, and documented. Not chaos. Not bureaucracy. Instant humanity.”

He wrote that the way a country responds under pressure sets it apart.“When things go sideways - and in geopolitics, they sometimes do - the UAE doesn't scramble,” he said.“Most countries would have left passengers stranded with zero communication. UAE set up a lounge and handed out snacks. That's the standard. And it's why millions of us choose to call this place home.”

Scared, but trusting UAE

Suzna, a tourist, arrived in Dubai on February 15 to attend the first birthday of her only niece along with her mother, brother and other relatives. She was supposed to return on Sunday along with her mother but is now unsure when she can go home.

“We all flew into town to celebrate my baby niece's first birthday,” she said.“My younger brother left on Friday, and my uncle and aunt were supposed to leave on Saturday. My mother and I had some last-minute shopping, so we decided to stay on until Sunday. We were out shopping when my brother called me and informed me of the flight cancellation. At the time I didn't understand the magnitude of impact.”

She said all their flights were cancelled and refunds issued.“It has been a scary experience hearing the loud thumps of the missiles being intercepted and seeing the smoke,” she said.“The loud phone alerts were also unsettling. We have been sheltering at home. Despite the fear, I have full faith in the UAE government. I know that they will make sure we are safe. We have been travelling in and out of Dubai for several years now and we know how safe a place it is.”

The family's booking of their serviced apartment is only until Monday noon.“We are a bit worried about it, but we are hoping that the hotel will be able to extend its booking for us,” she said.