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Stranded in Russia, UAE residents return home on a nearly empty Emirates flight
Travellers share how sudden flight disruptions left them stranded abroad, with some returning on unusually empty flights and others taking long alternate routes
- PUBLISHED: Thu 5 Mar 2026, 5:51 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]
A group of UAE residents who travelled to Russia hoping to witness the Northern Lights found themselves stranded for days after Middle East flight disruptions triggered by regional airspace closures.
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On Wednesday (March 4), their long-awaited journey home ended when an Emirates flight to Dubai had empty seats, allowing the group to board an unusually quiet Airbus A380 with only about 40 passengers.
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Flights across parts of the region were disrupted after several countries temporarily closed or restricted their airspace due to the escalating conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel. These closures caused cancellations and rerouting, leaving travellers at several destinations waiting for updates on their return journeys.
Among those on the trip was Bharath Chachara, who had travelled with a group of 26 UAE residents on what was meant to be a memorable holiday. The group had planned a multi-city itinerary across Russia, starting in Moscow before heading north to Murmansk to see the Northern Lights, and later travelling to St Petersburg.
Their return to Dubai was scheduled for Monday, March 2, but the situation unfolding in the region disrupted flights, leaving them uncertain when they would be able to return.
“We had gone as a group to see the Northern Lights,” said Chachara. “We started in Moscow, then travelled to Murmansk to see the Northern Lights and later reached St Petersburg. And suddenly, we were hearing about airspace closures and travel disruptions, and our return became uncertain. It has been quite an adventure.”
Despite the uncertainty, the travellers remained hopeful they would find a way back home.
“All of us are long-time UAE residents. Some of us are second and third-generation residents,” said Chachara. “While many people were trying to leave Dubai because of the situation, we actually wanted to come back because Dubai is home for us.”
“There was some uncertainty about the logistics of our return, but we always had full confidence things would be taken care of.”
The tour had been organised by International Travel Services, part of Galadari Brothers, which helped coordinate the trip and ensured the group could return safely. Mir Waseem Raja, manager at the travel aggregator, said the company closely monitored the situation and explored multiple options to bring the travellers back.
“We were very concerned about the group and were constantly looking at different options to get them home safely,” said Raja. “We stayed in touch with them and worked through all possible means until they were able to return to Dubai.”
“During the flight we were celebrating,” said Chachara. “We were singing songs, clapping, and just enjoying the moment because we were finally coming back home. We have always trusted the Dubai government. They know how to take care of their people and residents,” he said.
Samad Hussain, another UAE resident, who had been to Tashkent, also faced uncertainty before finally finding a way back to the UAE through a different route.
Hussain said his return flight was affected by the disruption, forcing him to find alternative travel options. Eventually, he traveled from Tashkent to New Delhi, then boarded another flight to the UAE.
“It was stressful because flights were affected and there was much uncertainty,” said Hussain. “I had to quickly find another option and managed to get a flight from Tashkent to Delhi.”
“From there, I took another flight and finally reached the UAE. It took longer than expected, but I was just relieved to be back home,” said Hussain.
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
