Stranded in Dubai as flights halt, tourist says daily costs are touching Rs 46,000

This situation reflects a wider travel problem in the Middle East. (Image credit: SCMP)

• Tourists stranded in Dubai face daily expenses up to USD500
• Flight disruptions in the Middle East cause extended stays
• Uncertainty over support and reimbursements adds to stress

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A tourist stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has said that her daily expenses have climbed to as much as USD500, or roughly Rs 46,000, as flight disruptions have left travellers stuck in the region.

According to a report by Business Insider, Emilia Vasquez, a US-based employee of Goodwill, said she has been unable to leave Dubai because flights in parts of the region have been suspended or delayed as tensions escalate. She told the publication that the unexpected stay has forced her to spend hundreds of dollars each day on bare necessities.

Vasquez said her stay at the Taj Dubai costs her about USD300 a day, while the rest is being spent on food, transport and other basic expenses while she waits for flights to resume.

The situation reflects a wider problem that travellers in the Middle East have faced in recent days. Several airlines have altered routes, delayed flights or temporarily suspended services as the conflict has disrupted parts of regional airspace. Aviation authorities and airlines have been closely monitoring the situation while prioritising passenger safety.

Many travellers who planned short visits to cities such as Dubai or Doha have found themselves stranded unexpectedly as flights were cancelled or postponed.

Vasquez told Business Insider that while UAE authorities had indicated that stranded tourists would receive support, there has been little clarity on how the costs will be covered or when reimbursements might happen.

In the meantime, travellers are continuing to pay hotel and daily living expenses on their own.

She also said that when she approached the hotel about the rising costs, the response was blunt. According to her account, the hotel indicated that if she could not afford the stay, she could check out and find accommodation elsewhere.

Travel disruptions can place tremendous unwarranted pressure on tourists. When flights stop suddenly because of geopolitical tensions or security concerns, travellers often face extended stays, unexpected accommodation costs and limited options for returning home.

Airlines and governments typically try to assist passengers during large disruptions, but the support and reimbursement process can take time. Until then, travellers may have to manage the immediate expenses themselves.

For many stranded visitors, the uncertainty about when flights will resume has become almost as stressful as the unexpected bills that continue to grow each day.