New Delhi: Indian badminton player PV Sindhu found herself stranded in Dubai for more than eight hours after missile-related disruptions in Gulf airspace led to flights across the region being suspended indefinitely.Sindhu was on her way to Birmingham to compete in the prestigious All England Open, which is scheduled to begin next Tuesday, with Dubai set to be a transit stop. The unexpected suspension of airport operations has raised serious concerns about whether it will arrive in England in time for the tournament.
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“The ordeal continues and the situation is becoming more terrifying with every passing hour,” Sindhu wrote, providing an update on Sunday morning.
She went on to describe a particularly disturbing moment at the airport. “A few hours ago, there was an explosion near where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly exit the area because he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was a very tense and scary moment for all of us,” Sindhu said.Reassuring fans about her safety, she added: “We are all safe now and have been transferred to a safer location, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff at Dubai Airport and the Dubai authorities.
“Special thanks also to the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their amazing support and continued assistance in helping keep us safe,” she added.“Right now, we are trying to get some rest and hold on to hope while we wait for things to settle,” she said.This marked its second public update since the disruption began.On Saturday, Sindhu posted a video from a crowded airport, with the caption: “All flights suspended until further notice.”She later said she was safe but unable to leave with her team, noting how quickly tensions escalated and describing it as “terrifying.”
“It’s hard to process what’s unfolding right now. Hearing the interceptions in the sky and seeing how quickly everything is escalating is truly terrifying,” Sindhu wrote on ‘X’.Reflecting on the situation, she added: “A lot of disturbing videos have appeared, and this is unfortunately the reality of what is happening.
Dubai is a city I love dearly, a place that always feels safe and full of life, which makes this moment even more difficult to understand.She added: “To everyone who sent messages and checked, thank you, this really means a lot. I’m safe now, stuck here with my team, and we’re fine as the situation continues to evolve regarding the war with Iran.”Sindhu also painted a picture of the tense atmosphere inside the airport.She wrote: “Airports are chaotic, with many families stranded and waiting, and we are all just hoping that we will get over this situation soon. I am sure the authorities are doing everything they can, and like everyone here, we are holding on to patience and hope.”Summarizing her feelings amid the uncertainty, she concluded, “Moments like these remind you how fragile normal life truly is. We pray for safety and peace for all those affected.”