travel
March 3, 2026
I was on an Emirates flight to Dubai that turned around twice because of Iranian missiles
CNBC's Emma Graham flew home to the UAE on an Emirates flight that turned around just 30 minutes from Dubai because of an Iran missile threat.
TL;DR
- Emma Graham, CNBC's Middle East bureau chief, was on one of the first flights back to the UAE after strikes on Iran escalated into a regional war.
- Her flight from Mumbai to Dubai was twice forced to turn around due to Iranian missile threats aimed at the UAE.
- Most flights to and from the UAE were grounded, causing significant travel disruption and stranding thousands.
- Emirates and Etihad began operating repatriation flights for nationals and residents.
- Despite the threats, the flight eventually landed safely in Dubai, albeit with a delay.
- Graham found the airport to be eerily empty, reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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