Today's Edition
Batool Ghaith (Abu Dhabi)
As regional tensions disrupted air travel, hundreds of passengers were left stranded at airports across the country. In that moment of uncertainty, the UAE stepped in swiftly to provide support, ensuring travellers were cared for with calm organisation, clear communication, and simple gestures of reassurance.
The swift coordination and visible assistance drew widespread praise online, with many commending what they described as an efficient and compassionate response.
Across social media platforms, travellers shared videos of free refreshments being distributed, dedicated waiting areas being arranged, and medical support being made available where needed.
Tushar Gagerna, who was travelling to India, shared a post lauding the authorities’ response as flights were disrupted.
Passengers were initially confused when they were asked to disembark, he said. But then “the UAE kicked into gear immediately”, he wrote in the social media post.
Within a short time, affected travellers were directed to organised waiting areas, offered water and food, and kept informed with regular updates, he added.
What stood out most for him, he wrote, was how the authorities quickly handled the passengers’ documentation. “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.
Mahmoud Gamal, another passenger at Dubai airport who was travelling to Egypt with his family, also shared his experience on social media. The support extended beyond basic assistance, he said.
“There were medical teams on standby, and staff helping families with children. You could see coordination everywhere. It felt like they were prepared for anything,” Gamal said in a video.
Similar sentiments were echoed by other travellers. Maria Rifai, travelling through Abu Dhabi en route to Europe, said she was initially anxious when her flight was grounded.
“The staff were incredibly calm, they kept updating us, gave us snacks, and even checked on elderly passengers to make sure they were comfortable. It made a stressful situation much easier,” Rifai told Aletihad.
She noted that despite the uncomfortable situation, airport security remained calm and efficient. “Anyone who needs anything is immediately cared for,” Rifai said.
