Some Canadians stranded in the Middle East because of the war in Iran have started arriving in Toronto after finding limited seats on flights out of the region.
The first Canadians returning from Dubai arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Thursday morning after days of travel disruptions in the Gulf region, caused by tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States.
Due to growing security concerns, airports were closed in parts of the Middle East and airlines were forced to cancel or reschedule flights, leaving many people scrambling to find seats at home.
Nisreen Maktabi was visiting her sister in Dubai.
“My flight was canceled and there are no flights at all, so it was very difficult to get on this flight,” he said.
Only a select few flights for Canadian citizens or permanent residents are approved for return travel, according to the Government of Canada.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Thursday the federal government is working with international partners as it works to support Canadians in the region.
“I remain in close contact with our international partners to help get Canadians out of harm’s way,” Anand said in a press release.
“To Canadians in the Middle East and Gulf Region: your government has you, and we are working 24-7 to ensure your safety.”
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Many travelers returning to Canada say they plan flights home mostly on their own.
“I found it myself, I had to go on the website to register and get an email saying, ‘Accommodation and if you can get a flight, get on the flight.’ That’s all,” said Maktabi.
Despite the stress of leaving the region, he said he feels relieved to have come to Canada.
“I have very mixed feelings because my family is in Lebanon and Dubai, and I was crying on the plane about what’s happening. It’s really bad and it’s a nightmare … I’m happy to be safe, but my heart is with my family.”
Other travelers described similar challenges to securing flights as departures become limited.
Godwin Scott said it took several days to find a place to stay after the disturbance began.
“It was very difficult to find a flight to be honest. I was booked for Saturday night, but I finally got a flight for Wednesday night,” he said.
Scott said the situation in Dubai is becoming increasingly tense as the conflict escalates.
“When I lived in Dubai, we heard many missiles being intercepted, there was a lot of noise.
If you hear one sound, you can no longer sleep because you are worried.
Meanwhile, others said they felt safe in Dubai and praised the United Arab Emirates and local authorities for their help.
“We received general assistance from the Dubai government,” said Ahed Shaikh, whose flight was delayed a day. “They did a good job and managed it well,” he added.
Passenger Eve Noga, who was heading to Edmonton, said she and her husband registered with the Canadian government for assistance. The government said it is working to secure charter flights for nearly 1,200 Canadians in the United Arab Emirates.
Noga said he received little information about that support.
“You know, we’re disappointed. In short, we were expecting more feedback,” he said.
Air Canada previously announced that it would cancel all flights to Dubai until March 3 and Tel Aviv until March 8.
The airline has revised its ticketing policy to allow customers traveling on affected flights to make penalty-free, space-allowed changes.
Toronto Pearson International Airport said airlines are continuing to adjust routes and schedules in response to the situation, warning passengers of delays or cancellations.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has also revised travel advisories from Saturday for several countries in the Gulf region, due to ongoing military activity.
The GAC also said more staff were being sent to embassies in countries bordering Iran to help Canadians fleeing the conflict.
Airspace in Qatar, Israel and Iran remains closed.
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