Stranded

Frustrated players say they were left in the dark for days over their travel while England flew out within two days.

Cricket’s governing body has rejected suggestions of unequal treatment after the West Indies and South Africa squads were stranded in India for more than a week following their exit from the T20 World Cup, while England flew out in less than two days.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been accused of giving preferential treatment to one team over the other two amid the travel chaos resulting from airspace closures and rerouted flights because of the war in the Middle East.

However, the ICC said on Wednesday it “rejects any suggestion that these decisions have been driven by anything other than safety, feasibility and welfare”.

“We understand that players, coaches, support staff and their families who have completed their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaigns are anxious to return home,” it said in a statement.

Cricket West Indies said on Tuesday its squad had waited nine days for a charter flight that was “repeatedly delayed”, calling the uncertainty “increasingly distressing”.

West Indies ‌players were leaving India on commercial flights in batches 10 days after their scheduled departure, which led to frustrated players airing their thoughts in social media posts.

The ICC said nine West Indies players and staff members were already travelling to the Caribbean, with the remaining 16 booked on flights departing India within 24 hours.

Indian media reported that a charter flight for the West Indies and South ⁠Africa Twenty20 World Cup teams scheduled to fly to Johannesburg before continuing on to Antigua was cancelled earlier on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, South Africa, who have been stranded in ⁠India since March 4, will begin to fly home on Wednesday, with the entire contingent ⁠departing in the next 36 hours, the ICC said.

England flew home ‌less than two days after being beaten in the semifinals, prompting criticism of the ICC from the South African and West Indian camps.

Darren Sammy, head coach of West Indies, began venting his frustration on social media on the fifth day since his team’s exit from the T20 World Cup.

“I just wanna go home,” he wrote on X, followed by another tweet requesting an update after being left in the dark for five days.

Three days after South Africa were knocked out, in the first semifinal, their players Quinton De Kock and David Miller said the team had heard nothing from the ICC regarding their departure while England, who were eliminated a day later in the second semifinal had already left.

“England are leaving before us somehow?! Strange how different teams have more pull than others,” De Kock wrote in an Instagram story.

Miller, commenting on a post announcing England’s departure, said: “It doesn’t take the ICC long to organise England charter. WI have been waiting for 7 days for a charter and SA coming on 4 days now. And yet we still wait.”

The ICC said the criticism was “incorrect” and that there was no comparison between arrangements for South Africa and the West Indies and those made for England, “which arose from separate circumstances, routing options and different travel conditions”.

“Throughout this period, the ICC’s overriding ⁠priority has been the safety and welfare of everyone affected,” the sport’s global governing body said.

“We will not move people until we are satisfied that the travel ‌solution in place is safe, and that commitment will not change.”

TRAVEL influencer NonStop Dan is being slammed online after claiming he’s unable to get home from Singapore due to the Iran war, when economy seats were still available on flights.

The popular YouTuber boasts over 1million subscribers and is known for frequently flying around the world.

However, the star received no sympathy after his latest video went live as viewers called him out for actually being able to get home if he were willing to book a cheaper flight.

The video begins with Dan saying him and his friend Alex are “stranded in Asia” like millions of other travellers are going to be.

He was en route to Bali from Singapore, but he claimed he was unable to keep travelling or get home due to the war in Iran.

However, towards the end of the video Dan noted how there were still “a few flights left in economy”.

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He very clearly said: “There are a few flights left in economy but even those are selling fast.”

Fans took to the video’s comments section to call out the discrepancy, unable to believe he considered himself as stranded just because he wasn’t willing to fly outside of first class.

One viewer said: “Absolutely hilarious that Dan would rather wait two weeks in Singapore without seeing his family rather than dealing with the horror of travelling economy.”

Another said: “You’re saying I would rather stay in a luxury hotel than fly economy.”

A third added: “Swallow your pride and take economy this one time.”

A forth user joked: “My thoughts are with the premium passengers and those in danger of flying economy.”

NonStop Dan, otherwise known as Daniel Goz, first started travelling at the age of 12, and decided to turn his passion for it into a career.

He predominantly reviews different airlines around the world, having flown with over 160 different ones to date.

Though he mostly flies first and business class based on his history of reviews.

Alongside these reviews, Dan provides his fanbase with travel tips as well as tricks on how to make the most out of your points and air miles.

He holds a bachelors degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences combined with General Studies and Humanities from Minerva University.

Minerva is an unconventional place of study which sees its students travel to multiple different countries during their course.

It achieves this through partnering with lots of other institutions worldwide and offering multiple study abroad-style programmes.

A Pilates instructor stranded in Dubai after Iran missile attacks has sparked backlash for saying there’s ‘no drama or fear’ while flights remain cancelled and the FCDO warns against travel

A Pilates instructor travelled to Dubai feeling “no drama or fear” but has now been confronted with a harsh reality check. Restrictions and increased security measures are currently in place throughout the United Arab Emirates following a wave of drone and missile strikes by Iran.

Numerous flights have been grounded after the decision to shut UAE airspace, leaving lots of travellers stranded. One influencer and writer has opted to focus on the positives but has faced criticism for seemingly downplaying the seriousness of the unfolding crisis.

Jade Marrey, 31, turned to Threads to provide an update on her situation. Several days ago, she wrote: “Very grateful to be in a hotel safe however the fact I was meant to fly home on Tuesday but ended up in hospital and missing my flight makes this so sucky.”

However, a more recent update has sparked controversy. The writer posted: “Everyone is panicking about Dubai… I’m currently sitting at Dubai Creek, kids running around with families, people enjoying coffee in the sunshine or strolling along the water. No drama or fear.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office “advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates”.

In the comments section, people were quick to voice their opinions, with many highlighting how rapidly her circumstances could deteriorate.

One said: “For now? What about tomorrow or the following day? Don’t feel too comfortable. Be alert. You don’t know what’s coming. Pray.”

Another said: “Day-to-day life often looks normal until it doesn’t. Hopefully it stays peaceful – but contingency planning isn’t the same as hysteria.”

A third commented: “At the same time my friend gets warnings to seek shelter… they are by the airport. Stuck. Just waiting to go home.”

While a fourth said: “War doesn’t knock on your door and give you a pamphlet stating the price of your new iPhone, it happens all of sudden, that’s why it changes your reality, that’s how it shatters your life. Displaces people and till then, everything seems fine.”

Someone else said: “I was just there. What you state is accurate. It is also accurate that missiles and drones are passing you in the air and some [are] being intercepted right above you. You are normalising war.”

Jade replied: “I am not normalising war, I am stating a fact that people are out and about with their kids and living their lives… mentioned nothing about war.”

In a follow-up comment, Jade shared a photograph of the beach and said: “Everyone calling me all sorts of names yet Kite beach is HEAVING with people living their lives.”

However, another Threads user understood Jade’s viewpoint and said: “Life goes on, even in a war zone. Days after the 7/7 [bomb attacks] in London were normal, we got the bus or tube just because we had to.”

Many Brits have been left stranded in Dubai after Israel and the US’ attacks on Iran. Here’s all the latest guidance from airlines

Many Brits are still left stranded in the Middle East as Iran’s counter attacks continue.

Brits and Europeans from other nations are fearing being caught in the crossfire after the Iranian regime let loose at neighbouring nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hundreds of people stranded abroad have said they are seeing and hearing bombs rain down near their accommodation, with some advised on ways to board up their windows to prevent them shattering in the event of an explosion.

An explosion was heard close to the US consulate building in Dubai on Tuesday night, with a fire breaking out. There were also reports of explosions and air raid sirens going off in Doha, the capital of Qatar, and air raid sirens sounding in Kuwait city. Iran is continuing strikes in the Middle East after US-Israeli military action started at the weekend.

Brits stuck in the Middle East and those with holidays booked to tourist hotspots like Dubai are now scrambling for answers from airlines on what to do next.

Holidaymakers have been issued a warning by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which has provided live updates on the popular spots affected, including Thailand and the UAE.

After residents received a state-wide warning to remain vigilant and remind renters of basement bunkers, many British immigrants and visitors in Dubai are facing a new challenge – how to leave and return safely home.

With flights to and from Dubai completely suspended over weekend, many Brits are still stranded. Today, (Wednesday 4 March) a number of flights are resuming from Dubai Airport. But a large number of flights remain cancelled.

Emirates

Emirates says on its website: “All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 2359hrs UAE time on March 4, due to airspace closures across the region.

“Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on March 3 and 4. We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights.

“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates or hold a confirmed booking for these flights. Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.”

Manchester Evening News reports that, overall, Emirates is now running 45 flights scheduled from Dubai for today, with seven returning Brits to the UK.

Qatar Airways

Yesterday morning (March 3), Qatar Airways stated flights were still “temporarily suspended”. Taking to X (Twitter), the official account wrote: “Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace”.

They added that the next update will be posted on March 6, 0900 Doha time (0600 UTC) and that passengers should watch the official app or website for the latest flight information.

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The UK government has confirmed that around 300,000 British nationals are currently in Gulf countries affected by the escalating conflict. Of those, 102,000 have registered their presence with the Foreign Office as officials draw up contingency plans, including the possibility of a large-scale evacuation.

Sir Keir Starmer said the government is “looking at all options to support our people”, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper indicated that detailed preparations are under way. British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register online and monitor official travel advice, which could change rapidly.

British Airways

Speaking to the Mirror, British Airways said: “We’re continuing to do everything we can to support customers and colleagues in the region and are in regular contact with them”.

“We currently remain unable to operate flights from destinations including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Amman, and Tel Aviv. We’re aware that a number of our customers are now in Oman, where the airspace is currently open. Working with the relevant authorities, we’ve been able to schedule a flight from Muscat to London, departing at 02:30 local time on March 5. Existing customers who are in Oman can let us know they wish to travel on this flight via a dedicated phone line: +44 203 467 3854”.

The advised: “Customers should continue to follow the latest safety advice from local government and the Foreign Office. Customers are advised NOT to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking”. They added that “flights to Cairo, Riyadh, and Jeddah continue to operate as normal”.

The airline went on, saying: “We have actioned a flexible customer booking policy which allows all customers due to travel between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv in the coming days the option to change the date of their flights for free or get a refund. Customers travelling to Larnaca can rebook for a different date for free. Customers travelling to these destinations in the coming days can also change their booking to a different route with no change fee but will need to pay the fare difference,” ended BA.com.

British Airways has also said: “If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv you can change your flight free of charge up to and including 29 March. Customers travelling up to and including March 4 may also request a full refund”. Those concerned have been recommended to keep up with the latest on the FCDO and their airline/travel provider websites for real-time guidance.

Wizz Air

Wizz Air states: “The airline is now suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman up to and including Sunday, March 15 (previously March 7), pending structural schedule changes reflecting reduced demand. Flights to and from Saudi Arabia will recommence as planned from March 8 inclusive”.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic says that some flights were resumed yesterday between London Heathrow Airport, Dubai and Riyadh.

A spokesperson shared: “The safety and security of our customers and people is always our top priority, and our operation is subject to ongoing assessments”