San Francisco International Airport (SFO) welcomed the first direct Emirates flight from Dubai since the Iran-related conflict erupted in the Middle East. The flight marked the return of many passengers to the U.S. after being stranded for days due to security concerns in the region.
Passengers describe tense days
Some passengers said their business trips turned into anxious experiences when the conflict broke out.
Heather Doherty, a resident of Alameda, said her business trip to India was interrupted when her connecting flight from Dubai was forced to turn back mid-air.
She spent several days in a state of uncertainty before being able to return to the U.S.
Doherty recounted that while at the hotel, she had to sleep near the floor for fear that glass windows might shatter upon hearing warning sirens and distant explosions.
Other passengers also forced to shelter
Another passenger, Susan Daley from Chicago, said she was eating lunch when she heard news that the attacks had begun.
Afterward, she and many others returned to the hotel and were told to shelter in place while waiting for the situation to stabilize.
Airport reunions
When the flight arrived in San Francisco, many passengers were reunited with loved ones after days of being stuck due to the security situation in the Middle East.
Some expressed relief upon returning to San Francisco after days of uncertainty regarding their travel schedules.
Perspectives from Dubai residents
Meanwhile, some passengers living in Dubai said they were not too concerned about returning to the area.
According to them, security measures in Dubai remain tight, and civilian life in the city continues to function.
Conflict context
The conflict in the region involves Operation Epic Fury, a military operation conducted by the U.S. and Israel targeting Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure.
The situation subsequently led to several waves of missile and drone attacks between the parties, disrupting air traffic in the region.
