Dr. Magdy Kamel ElHewary writes
In a scene reflecting the scale of escalating tensions in the region, Iran’s attack on the United Arab Emirates has caused severe disruption inside airports, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights and delays of others, amid widespread anxiety and tension among passengers.
Flight No. 1059 from Sharjah to Qatar, which was scheduled to depart yesterday at 12:45, witnessed significant disruption as air traffic was directly impacted by the ongoing events. EgyptAir’s flight to Cairo was also affected, with clear confusion surrounding departure and arrival schedules.
In a notable development, Flight No. 1039, which was scheduled to depart from Sharjah to Doha at 12:10 PM, experienced a major delay, eventually taking off at 4:05 PM after long hours of waiting inside the aircraft.
Passengers endured moments of stress and anxiety, remaining inside the plane for nearly three hours without movement, while the cabin crew made continuous efforts to manage the situation and contain passengers’ frustration. However, this proved difficult under the psychological pressure faced by travelers.
The crisis extended beyond delays, reaching the level of how some airlines handled passengers. Many travelers complained about receiving no compensation and being treated harshly, even regarding baggage weight policies. This further fueled dissatisfaction, especially in the absence of any official apology for cancellations or delays.
As of now, a state of concern continues to dominate airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, with ongoing flight cancellations and delays. Meanwhile, residents are receiving warning messages on their phones advising them to seek shelter and exercise caution.
What is happening today clearly demonstrates how political and military tensions can directly and rapidly impact civilian life, particularly in a vital sector such as aviation, leaving passengers as the weakest link in an equation over which they have no control.
