Some Canadians stranded within the Middle East on account of the war in Iran have began to land in Toronto after securing limited seats on flights out of the region.
The primary Canadians getting back from Dubai arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport Thursday morning after days of travel disruptions within the Gulf region, triggered by intensifying tensions involving Iran, Israel and the USA.
Because of heightened security concerns, airspaces were shuttered across parts of the Middle East and airlines were forced to cancel or reroute flights, leaving many individuals scrambling to search out seats home.
Nisreen Maktabi was visiting her sister in Dubai.
“My flight got canceled and there’s no flights out in any respect, so it was very difficult to get on this flight,” she said.
Only a number of select flights for Canadian residents or everlasting residents have been approved for return trips, in keeping with the Government of Canada.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said on Thursday that the federal government is co-ordinating with international partners as it really works to support Canadians within the region.
“I remain in close contact with our international partners to assist get Canadians out of harm’s way,” Anand said in a social media post.
“To Canadians within the Middle East and Gulf Region: your government is with you, and we’re working 24-7 to make sure your safety.”
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Many travellers returning to Canada said they arranged flights home largely on their very own.
“I secured it myself. I needed to get on a web site to register and get an email that claims, ‘Shelter in place and in case you can secure a flight, get on the flight.’ That’s it,” Maktabi said.
Despite the stress of leaving the region, she said she felt relief arriving in Canada.
“I actually have very mixed feelings because my family is in Lebanon and Dubai, and I used to be crying on the flight at what’s happening. It’s really horrible and it’s a nightmare … I’m completely happy to be protected, but my heart is with my family.”
Other travellers described similar challenges securing flights as departures became limited.
Godwin Scott said it took several days to search out a seat home after disruptions began.
“It was pretty difficult to get a flight, to be honest. I used to be booked for Saturday night, but I only ended up getting a flight for Wednesday night,” he said.
Scott said the atmosphere in Dubai grew tense because the conflict intensified.
“From where I used to be staying in Dubai, we heard numerous missiles being intercepted, so much loud bangs. The home was shaking as well,” he said.
“When you hear one bang, you may’t fall asleep anymore since you’re frightened.”
Meanwhile, others said they felt protected in Dubai and commended the United Arab Emirates and native authorities for his or her assistance.
“We got normal assistance from the Dubai government,” said Ahed Shaikh, whose flight was delayed by a day. “They did a terrific job and handled it well,” he added.
Passenger Eve Noga, who was sure for Edmonton, said she and her husband had registered with the Canadian government for assistance. The federal government has said it’s working to secure charter flights for nearly 1,200 Canadians within the United Arab Emirates.
Noga said she received little details about that support.
“Upset, you recognize. To be temporary, we just had a bit more expectation of the response,” she said.
Air Canada previously announced it could be cancelling all flights to Dubai until March 3 and Tel Aviv until March 8.
The airline has since revised its ticketing policy to permit customers travelling on affected flights to make changes without penalty, space permitting.
Toronto Pearson International Airport said airlines are continuing to regulate routes and schedules in response to the situation, warning passengers of delays or cancellations.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has also updated travel advisories since Saturday for several countries within the Gulf region, on account of the continued military activity.
GAC also said additional staff are being sent to consulates in countries bordering Iran to help Canadians fleeing the conflict.
Airspace in Qatar, Israel and Iran stays closed.
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