image sourced from original article at India's double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has been stranded at Dubai airport after airspace closures across the Middle East disrupted flights following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Sindhu was en route to Birmingham for the 2026 All England Open Super 1000 when airport operations were suspended.
Sharing updates on social media, Sindhu described chaotic scenes at the airport, with long queues and families waiting for further information. She said she is safe with her team but called the situation frightening as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
While India's top men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty reached Birmingham before the disruptions, other athletes have also been affected. The Indian men's basketball team is stranded in Doha after travelling for the 2027 International Basketball Federation World Cup Asian Qualifiers, as widespread flight cancellations continue to impact international passengers.
