PV Sindhu stranded in Dubai as flights remain suspended after tensions across West Asia

Double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu was stranded at Dubai airport on her way to the prestigious All England Open badminton tournament on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after flight operations were suspended due to rising tensions in West Asia.

The tournament is planned to start next Tuesday (March 3, 2026).

Sindhu posted a video on Instagram showing a crowded airport and captioned it: “All flights suspended until further notice.” Later, the Indian superstar shuttler said that he was safe but remained with his team. He added that the rate at which tensions escalated was “appalling.”

About ‘X’, Sindhu wrote: “It’s hard to understand what’s going on right now. It’s truly terrifying to hear the interventions from above and see how fast everything is developing.”

“There are so many disturbing videos emerging, unfortunately, that is the reality of what is happening. The fact that Dubai is a city that I love so much, that has always felt safe and lively, makes this moment even more difficult to grasp.”

“Thank you to everyone who messaged and checked in, it really means a lot. I’m safe now, stuck here with my team, and we’re doing well as the situation with the war with Iran continues to evolve,” he added.

Sindhu said airports were chaotic and many families were “stranded and waiting”.

“Airports are chaotic, many families are stranded and waiting; we all hope to get through this as soon as possible. I am confident that the authorities are doing everything they can, and like everyone here, we are holding on to patience and hope,” he wrote.

“Moments like this remind you how fragile normal life really is. I pray for safety and peace for everyone affected.” The United States and Israel launched a major attack against Iran on Saturday.

Military strikes have led to the closure of airspace in the Gulf region and disrupted many flights, including Emirates and Air India.

In a statement published on the ‘X’ website, Air India said that Air India has canceled all its flights to and from the Gulf region, especially Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat, Riyadh and Tel Aviv, Israel.

Dubai airport also suspended all operations indefinitely due to the closure of its airspace following missile attacks involving the United States, Israel and Iran.