Utahns stranded in Dubai as warfare in Iran complicates air journey

SALT LAKE CITY – Some Utahns are left stranded as air journey is restricted throughout the Middle East due to warfare in Iran.

David and Kathy Lloyd, of Farmington, and David and Toni McKay, of Kaysville, have been on a bunch tour of holy websites since mid-February. Their itinerary took them to the United Arab Emirates for the ultimate leg of the journey.

But their time within the Middle East coincided with the United States and Israel launching their attack in opposition to Iran, which then responded by hitting neighboring nations.

Late final week, because the Utah {couples} and their fellow vacationers had been visiting a mosque within the United Arab Emirates, missiles began coming in, and everybody needed to depart and shelter in place, they instructed KSL. The Dubai International Airport was one in all three main airports immediately hit by a strike, the Associated Press reported.

They’ve now been in Dubai for a number of days. They had been alleged to get dwelling three days in the past. Each day, they stated, is a ready recreation.

A plume of smoke attributable to an Iranian strike is seen within the background as an Emirates airplane is parked on the Dubai International Airport after its closure in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

“The government has said shelter in place, and there are some individuals on the tour group that have not left the hotel, and that’s just how they feel,” stated David Lloyd through Zoom from their resort in Dubai. “But we’ve been a little bit more out and about and just being aware of our situation.”

“We do hear missiles going off and being intercepted but we have not felt really like we’re in danger,” stated his spouse, Kathy Lloyd. “But every day our flights continue to be canceled with Emirates, so we are just patiently waiting until we finally can get on a plane and come home.”

They had flights booked for Thursday, however they realized right this moment, Wednesday, these had been canceled.

“Every day it’s a rebook, refund. Rebook, refund,” stated Toni McKay.

The U.S. has inspired Americans within the Middle East to leave immediately, however restricted flights are making that difficult, CNN reported.

The Lloyds and McKays instructed KSL they really feel secure in Dubai regardless of being so near the warfare, however they hope to return to Utah quickly.

“I’m grateful for our military,” stated Kathy Lloyd, “and we’re praying for them as they are defending our country and putting their lives in harm’s way.”

Related: US sinks Iranian warship as Iran warns of widespread destruction within the Middle East