DUBAI – An Auckland couple is among a growing number of international travelers stranded in Dubai following a wave of retaliatory air strikes launched by Iran on Saturday night, April 13, 2026. Restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat, owners of four Auckland restaurants, were preparing for a culinary tour of India when airspace closures grounded their flights and left them facing an uncertain wait.
The Sahrawats, who arrived in Dubai two days prior to discuss potential investment opportunities, described a sudden shift from relaxed business meetings to a state of alert. “We’ve been here before. We perceive it to be a remarkably safe space,” Chand Sahrawat told the New Zealand Herald. “I did not expect Iran to be impacting Dubai.” The couple received a text alert shortly after midnight and soon after heard what they described as “a couple of booms,” according to reporting from RNZ.
Reports quickly emerged of strikes hitting Dubai International Airport and the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, though the extent of the damage remains unclear. The closure of Dubai Airport is a major concern for the Sahrawats, who are now unsure when they will be able to continue their journey, let alone return home to New Zealand. “It’s one thing to close airspace for protective reasons,” Chand Sahrawat said. “But to actually hit the airport is scary. We don’t know when we can leave.” The situation is particularly unsettling as their children remain in Auckland.
Escalating Tensions and Regional Airspace Disruptions
The strikes against Dubai are part of a broader escalation of regional tensions following an earlier attack on an Iranian consulate in Damascus. All airspace across parts of the Middle East has been disrupted, impacting travel routes and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The Sahrawats are relying on international news outlets and online reports for information, as English-language local coverage has been limited. They have registered their details with the New Zealand government’s SafeTravel website but have yet to receive direct contact from officials.
Other New Zealanders Affected
The Sahrawats are not the only New Zealanders caught in the crosshairs. Kaea Samson, who has been in Dubai since January awaiting a work visa to coach basketball, is also grappling with the uncertainty. Samson reported seeing smoke and hearing missiles being intercepted approximately 20 kilometers from his apartment, according to RNZ. He has packed an emergency bag but is unsure whether to attempt to leave, given the airport closure. “I have advice here that… it won’t be too bad in Dubai, but then I also have my partner who’s worked at Immigration, and she’s just saying, get out of there before things kick off,” Samson said. “But with the airport currently shut there’s just nothing we can do.”
Seeking Guidance and Remaining Safe
Samson, like the Sahrawats, has registered with SafeTravel but expressed a desire for direct communication from the New Zealand government. Both Samson and the Sahrawats are part of expat groups sharing information and support, helping each other identify safe locations and stay informed. The situation remains fluid, and the Sahrawats are currently staying with a friend in Dubai’s Business Bay while they wait for flights to resume. They described the city as feeling “quite protected” despite the ongoing strikes, but acknowledged the anxiety surrounding the duration of the disruption. “It just feels like a different world,” Chand Sahrawat said.
What to Do If You Are in the Region
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) advises New Zealanders in the region to follow the guidance of local authorities and remain vigilant. Kiwis are encouraged to register their travel plans on the SafeTravel website: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/. MFAT is monitoring the situation closely and providing assistance to New Zealanders as needed. The New Zealand Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, is providing consular support to citizens in the region.
The immediate future remains uncertain for the Sahrawats and Samson, as well as countless other travelers stranded across the Middle East. The reopening of Dubai International Airport and the stabilization of regional airspace are key to resolving the situation, but the timing of those developments remains unclear. The next official update from the New Zealand government regarding assistance to citizens in the region is expected within 24 hours.
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