Iran-US tensions: PV Sindhu briefly stranded at Dubai airport, shares ordeal

Hyderabad: Indian badminton player and Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was stranded in Dubai on Sunday amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Sharing her experience on X (formerly Twitter), Sindhu narrated a frightening incident that she and her team encountered at Dubai International Airport. “The ordeal continues to unfold, and the situation is becoming more frightening by the hour,” Sindhu wrote, describing the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

‘Explosion near the airport’

She further explained that a serious incident occurred close to where the team was sheltering at the airport. “A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly run out of the area as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was an extremely tense and scary moment for all of us,” she stated.

Sindhu later clarified that she and her team were moved to a safer location by the Dubai authorities. Expressing gratitude, she wrote, “We are all safe now and have been moved to a more secure place, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff at Dubai Airport and the Dubai authorities. A special thanks as well to the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their incredible support and constant assistance in helping keep us safe. For now, we are trying to get some rest and hold on to hope as we wait for things to settle.”

What’s happening at Dubai International Airport?

Meanwhile, according to official statements and verified news reports, there was an ‘incident’ at Dubai International Airport, during which four airport staff members were injured, and minor damage was reported at one of the airport concourses.

Emergency response teams were immediately deployed, and the situation was brought under control.

The incident occurred amid a wider regional escalation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, airspaces were temporarily closed in several parts of the Middle East, leading to the suspension of international flights, flight diversions and large-scale travel disruptions for passengers across the region.