Stranded British couple’s nightmare returning from wedding amid Iran war

WorldTravel
5 Mar 2026 • 1:55 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A British couple, Lee Smart and Nina Luminati, were stranded at Dubai airport for 22 hours after their connecting flight to the UK was disrupted.
  • Their travel plans were affected by the aftermath of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran, which led to widespread flight cancellations and delays.
  • Returning from a wedding in India, the pair struggled to secure a seat amidst thousands of other passengers also trying to depart Dubai.
  • They spent a night sleeping on chairs in the bustling terminal before eventually boarding Emirates flight EK001 on Wednesday morning.
  • Mr Smart described the situation as "carnage" but praised the UAE government's response, as they finally arrived back at London Heathrow.

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