PV Sindhu stranded at Dubai airport as Middle East tensions disrupt flights

Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was left stranded at Dubai airport on Saturday, en route to the prestigious All England Open badminton tournament, after flight operations were suspended amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The tournament is scheduled to begin next Tuesday.

Sindhu shared her ordeal on Instagram, posting a video showing a crowded airport. She captioned it: "All flights suspended until further notice."

Airspace closures after US-Israel strikes on Iran

The disruption comes as the US and Israel launched a major offensive on Iran, with American President Donald Trump urging the Iranian public to overthrow the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979.

The military action triggered closures across Gulf airspace, affecting several carriers including Emirates and Air India.

Airlines cancel Gulf flights

Air India announced it had cancelled all flights to and from the Gulf region, targeting destinations including Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv, Israel. The airline confirmed the move via a statement posted on X.

Meanwhile, Dubai airport suspended all operations indefinitely due to airspace closures following missile strikes involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Passengers across the region have faced significant travel disruption, leaving athletes, business travellers, and holidaymakers stranded as tensions escalate.