A British couple stranded in Dubai during escalating Iranian strikes have voiced frustration at what they say is a lack of clear support and communication from the UK government as they try to return home.
Sarah and Ed Short said they had received “very little information” from British authorities after their flight was disrupted when tensions in the Middle East intensified. The couple claim they struggled to get assistance from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) while attempting to organise their journey back to Britain.
Their experience highlights the wider challenges facing British nationals caught up in regional conflict and travel disruption across the Middle East.
Flight halted as conflict escalated
The couple had been due to return to the UK on a British Airways flight on Saturday 28 February when the aircraft was delayed on the runway as the regional conflict began escalating.
According to the couple, the flight was halted shortly after Iranian strikes began in the region, leaving passengers uncertain about travel plans.
Sarah and Ed Short told Sky News they had since tried repeatedly to contact the FCDO hotline but were unable to obtain meaningful guidance.
They said callers were met with a recorded message and little practical advice about how stranded travellers could return home.
Struggling to reach repatriation flights
The couple explained that they had eventually been allocated seats on a repatriation flight departing from Oman.
However, they said the government had not arranged transportation to reach the departure point.
This means they must organise their own travel from Dubai to Oman despite warnings from British consular officials advising against certain journeys during the ongoing security situation.
The couple said this created a difficult situation, forcing them to choose between waiting indefinitely in Dubai or attempting to reach the evacuation flight independently.
Government says safety is top priority
UK ministers insist that assisting British nationals affected by the conflict remains a key priority.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told MPs that ensuring the “safety and security” of British citizens stranded in the region was the government’s top concern.
Officials say they are working with airlines and regional partners to facilitate return flights as conditions allow.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that more than 1,000 British nationals had already returned to the UK on commercial flights departing from the United Arab Emirates.
Additional flights scheduled
Further flights have been organised to help those still stranded in the region.
According to the government, eight additional commercial flights were scheduled to depart from the UAE on Wednesday.
Authorities also confirmed that a charter repatriation flight was leaving Oman on Tuesday, with two more expected to follow in the coming days.
Officials say the operation is part of ongoing efforts to assist British citizens affected by travel disruption caused by the conflict.
Growing travel disruption across the region
The Middle East conflict has triggered widespread disruption to international travel, with several airlines altering routes or suspending flights due to security concerns.
Airspace closures and heightened military activity have affected major aviation corridors across the region, forcing airlines to delay departures, divert aircraft or cancel services entirely.
Passengers travelling through major regional hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have been particularly affected.
British consular support during crises
When international crises disrupt travel, the UK government typically provides consular assistance to citizens abroad, including travel advice, emergency helplines and coordination with airlines.
In severe situations, charter flights may be organised to evacuate British nationals.
However, the government usually expects travellers to make their own way to designated departure points unless conditions make this impossible.
The experience of the British couple stranded in Dubai illustrates the logistical challenges that can arise when geopolitical conflicts suddenly disrupt global travel networks.
With tensions in the Middle East continuing, British officials say they will keep monitoring the situation while assisting citizens attempting to return home safely.