‘Honestly Terrifying’: PV Sindhu Stranded at Dubai Airport as Flights Suspended Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
Mumbai: Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu has found herself stranded at Dubai airport after flight operations were abruptly suspended following missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, throwing her travel plans into uncertainty just days before one of badminton’s biggest tournaments.
Sindhu was en route to Birmingham for the prestigious All England Open, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, with Dubai serving as her transit point. However, the rapidly escalating regional conflict brought operations at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs to a grinding halt, leaving thousands of passengers — including the two-time Olympic medallist — stuck with no immediate clarity on departures.
Taking to Instagram, Sindhu shared visuals from the airport and posted a stark message: “All flights suspended until further notice.” The video quickly went viral, underscoring the widespread disruption and anxiety among stranded travellers.
She later expressed her concerns on X (formerly Twitter), describing the tense atmosphere. “It’s hard to process what’s unfolding right now. Hearing the interceptions overhead and seeing how quickly everything has escalated is honestly terrifying. So many disturbing videos are coming to light, and this is sadly the reality of what is happening,” she wrote.
Calling Dubai a city she deeply loves and has always considered safe, Sindhu added that the unfolding crisis felt surreal. “I am safe right now, stuck here with my team, and we are doing okay as the situation around the war with Iran continues to evolve. Airports are chaotic, with many families stranded and waiting, all of us just hoping we get past this soon.”
Dubai Airports Grind to a Halt
According to Reuters, Dubai Airports confirmed that operations at Dubai International Airport — which handled nearly 100 million passengers last year — and Al Maktoum International Airport were suspended until further notice. Authorities urged passengers not to travel to the airport amid the uncertainty.
Emirates announced a temporary suspension of all flights to and from Dubai due to multiple regional airspace closures. Its sister carrier flydubai also halted operations entirely. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways confirmed that departures from Abu Dhabi were suspended until 1000 GMT on Sunday, with several incoming flights also cancelled.
As tensions ripple across the Middle East, Sindhu’s preparations for the All England Open now hang in the balance. While the badminton star remains safe, the unfolding crisis has cast a shadow over her campaign and highlighted how global conflict can instantly disrupt lives far beyond the battlefield.
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