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PV Sindhu Stranded in Dubai as Middle East Crisis Halts Flights to UK

Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu was left stranded at Dubai Airport on Saturday while traveling to compete in the All England Badminton Championships. Flight operations were suspended due to escalating tensions between Iran and the US-Israel, leading to widespread cancellations. The Badminton Association of India is in contact with Sindhu and the airline, hoping for a swift resolution. Meanwhile, India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have already reached the tournament venue in Birmingham.

Key Points: PV Sindhu Stranded in Dubai, Flights Cancelled Amid Iran Crisis

  • Flights suspended over Middle East tensions
  • Sindhu en route to All England Championships
  • BAI in touch with player and airline
  • Satwik-Chirag pair already in Birmingham
  • Air travel disrupted across region
2 min read

PV Sindhu left stranded in Dubai as flights were cancelled due to Middle East crisis

Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu stuck at Dubai Airport en route to All England Championships after Middle East tensions suspend flights.

"All flights suspended until further notice. - PV Sindhu"

New Delhi, Feb 28

Two-time Olympic medallist shuttler PV Sindhu was left stranded at the Dubai Airport on Saturday en route to Birmingham in England as flight operations were suspended owing to escalating tensions between Iran and the US-Israel. Sindhu is travelling to Birmingham to participate in the prestigious All-England badminton championship.

Sindhu, the former World No.1 in women's singles, put out a video on her Instagram story, showing a crowded airport as people wait for an update from the authorities in the United Arab Emirates on when flights will resume.

Sindhu, India's most successful badminton player and a former medallist at the All-England, put out the Insta story on her official handle with the caption, 'All flights suspended until further notice.'

"PV Sindhu was set to travel to the All England, but got stuck in Dubai. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is in touch with her as well as Emirates. Other players have already reached, but Sindhu insisted on travelling today and took a morning flight. The issue is expected to be resolved soon," BAI sources told IANS. Sindhu won a silver medal in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and a bronze medal in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, reports said the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, however, have reached Birmingham for the event to be held at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, King Edwards Road from March 3-8.

The crisis in the Middle East has escalated after Israel and the US launched air strikes on Iran, following which Tehran has threatened to attack ships and shipping interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The possibility of attacks has disrupted air travel across the region to reach Europe and Africa.

Dubai Airport has already suspended all operations till further notice, while there have been Large-scale flight cancellations in flights leaving from India to Europe and Africa as they transit via Dubai and the Gulf region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I feel for her, maybe the BAI or her team should have advised against traveling via a volatile region with such an important championship coming up. Other players reached earlier. It's a lesson in planning for contingencies, especially for our top athletes.
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Priya S
Oh no! Poor Sindhu. Dubai airport can be so chaotic even on a normal day. Can't imagine being stuck there with this uncertainty. Hope the authorities resolve this quickly. All the best, champion! 🇮🇳
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Vikram M
This shows how global conflicts spill over. It's not just about soldiers and borders; it's about students, professionals, and now our sports icons getting stranded. Hope she gets a special arrangement. Satwik and Chirag must be worried for her too.
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Rohit P
BAI should have been more proactive. They knew the situation was escalating. Could have booked her on a different route earlier. Anyway, main thing is her safety. The tournament can wait. Jai Hind!
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Michael C
Travel disruptions are a nightmare. Feel for everyone stuck there, not just Sindhu. Hope the airlines and governments coordinate to get people moving soon. Fingers crossed for her All England campaign.

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