Imagine being thousands of miles from home, only to find yourself stranded in a foreign airport due to escalating international tensions. This is the reality for a group of Queen’s University students currently stuck in Doha, Qatar, after a series of events in the Middle East brought regional air travel to a grinding halt. But here’s where it gets even more unsettling—these students were mid-flight when they learned their journey would be abruptly cut short.
The ordeal began when Claire Haffner, a fourth-year biology undergraduate, and her classmates were en route to Toronto from Sri Lanka, with a scheduled layover in Doha. Just an hour and a half into their flight, an announcement shook the cabin: the airspace was closed, and the plane was forced to turn back. This sudden change came in the wake of intensified military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, which triggered a swift and dramatic response from Iran. And this is the part most people miss—Iran’s retaliatory missile launches not only targeted Israel but also nearby Gulf nations, including Qatar, leading to an immediate shutdown of airspaces across the region.
‘There was an initial panic among me and my classmates,’ Haffner recalled. Upon returning to Doha, passengers were temporarily kept on the plane before disembarking into what she described as a ‘chaotic scene’ at the airport. ‘Everybody rushed off the plane in a big mob,’ she said. ‘It was overwhelming—crowds everywhere, long lines, and difficulty communicating with staff. Everyone is handling it differently, but we’re all feeling the strain.’
After hours of uncertainty, the group was informed they would not be flying out that night. As of now, they remain in limbo, awaiting news of when the airspace might reopen. ‘There’s a constant feeling of uneasiness,’ Haffner admitted. ‘You can’t shake this sinking feeling, even though you’re safe inside the airport. You read the news, and you know what’s happening outside—it’s hard to ignore.’
In an effort to stay connected, some students quickly purchased electronic SIM cards to keep in touch with family back home. Despite the stress, Haffner remains optimistic. ‘We’re in a safe place, and the airport does feel secure,’ she told Global News. ‘I’m grateful to be with my classmates and professor during this time.’
Queen’s University has been in direct contact with the faculty leaders accompanying the group, emphasizing that the students’ safety and well-being are their top priority. ‘We understand this situation is distressing for the students and their families,’ the university stated. ‘We’re working closely with International SOS to provide emergency assistance, including 24-hour multilingual support and help with flight arrangements.’
But here’s the controversial question—how prepared are universities and governments to handle such crises, especially when students are involved in international travel? While Queen’s University has taken steps to support its students, this incident raises broader concerns about the vulnerabilities of global travel in an increasingly volatile world. Should universities reconsider the risks of sending students abroad, or is this an unavoidable consequence of a connected world?
Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada has updated its travel advisories for Canadians in the Gulf region, warning of ‘ongoing military activity’ in countries like Israel, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. Flights to and from Canada have faced significant cancellations and delays, further complicating travel plans for many.
As the world watches the situation unfold, one thing is clear: these students’ journey home is far from over. What do you think? Are universities doing enough to protect students abroad, or is this a wake-up call for more robust safety measures? Let us know in the comments below.
