UAE Air Travel Resumes Amidst Iran Conflict, Citizens Fear Retaliation

UAE Air Travel Resumes Amidst Iran Conflict, Citizens Fear Retaliation

DUBAI – Limited air travel has resumed from Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports as the United Arab Emirates experiences a lull in the ongoing conflict with Iran, following a tense period of air strikes and explosions. While residents and tourists alike have been advised to shelter in place, the resumption of commercial flights offers a glimmer of hope for tens of thousands stranded in the region. However, amidst the logistical challenges of repatriation, the Iranian diaspora in the UAE remains deeply fearful of retaliation against family members back home, pleading for international intervention.

Calm Returns, Flights Resume

The skies over the UAE, which had been filled with the sounds of loud blasts and explosions, have grown quieter. Following an overnight lull, residents reported hearing further explosions and air raid sirens on the afternoon of the latest attacks. In a remarkable turn of events, Emirates airline has announced plans for limited operations out of Dubai International Airport this evening, with Etihad Airways also resuming flights from Abu Dhabi. Seven Etihad aircraft have already been tracked on flight radar, and while passenger confirmation is pending, eyewitness accounts suggest individuals are boarding flights, including one bound for London Heathrow.

“It feels calmer this afternoon,” reported correspondent Sally Lockwood from Dubai. “The UAE have done an incredible job of shooting out hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles that have been fired this way.” This development comes as a significant relief to the estimated quarter of a million British citizens residing in the UAE, alongside tens of thousands of tourists who found themselves caught in the escalating conflict.

Repatriation Efforts Underway

The resumption of commercial flights signals a potential pathway for the repatriation of stranded Britons and other foreign nationals. The British Ambassador to the UAE confirmed that efforts are underway in collaboration with airlines, governments, and various authorities to facilitate departures. British citizens have been advised to register their presence with the Foreign Office, a move that over 100,000 individuals in the Middle East have already made, with approximately three-quarters of them located in the UAE, predominantly holidaymakers.

“There is going to have to be a very organized plan for how to repatriate, you know, what tens of thousands of tourists and people that are wanting to leave the country,” Lockwood stated. While the immediate focus is on managing the exodus of expatriates and tourists, the advice from the embassy in Abu Dhabi for residents and tourists alike has been consistent: to stay at home and away from windows, a stark contrast to the usual tranquility expected in the UAE.

Iranian Diaspora’s Fear and Plea for Help

Beyond the immediate concerns of safety and evacuation, a profound sense of fear grips the Iranian diaspora in the UAE. With over half a million Iranian citizens residing in the Emirates, many have reached out to journalists, expressing deep anxiety over the potential targeting of their family members in Iran. These individuals are too terrified to speak publicly, fearing repercussions for their relatives.

“No one wanted to speak publicly. Everyone is absolutely terrified of their family members uh being targeted back in Iran, but everyone’s been really worried. I can’t I can’t um explain just how many people send me so messages on social media every day from inside Iran and also from here saying, you know, we need international help.”

The ongoing conflict, which has seen over 555 Iranians killed in strikes on Iran and subsequent attacks by Iran on Bahrain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Cyprus, has deepened a sense of betrayal among the Iranian diaspora. Many feel abandoned, recalling promises of rescue that did not materialize. The current situation is described as unpredictable, with concerns about how the Iranian regime might respond, potentially facing an “existential crisis.”

Uncertain Future and Escalation Fears

While the UAE has demonstrated a strong defense capability by intercepting numerous drones and missiles, the unpredictable nature of the conflict looms large. The potential for escalation remains a significant concern, as the Iranian regime’s response is unknown. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the conflict and the safety of those in the region.

Source: Iranians In UAE Are 'Terrified’ Of Speaking Out And Plead For International Help | Sally Lockwood (YouTube)