Graeme Souness Trapped in Abu Dhabi Amid Middle East Missile Strikes
Former Scotland footballer and manager Graeme Souness has recounted hearing explosions while stranded at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, as escalating military actions between the US, Israel, and Iran disrupt travel across the Middle East.
Airport Ordeal Amid Regional Conflict
Souness, who was due to fly back to the UK this weekend, posted videos on Instagram detailing his experience. In the clips, he described loud bangs from anti-missile systems intercepting projectiles fired at American bases, forcing him to abandon his travel plans.
"My mum said to me when I was a little boy – wherever you are son there's never a dull moment," Souness said in his first video. "Well right now I'm in this airport and I'm hearing some pretty loud bangs going off and that is anti-missiles taking out missiles that have been fired at some American bases."
Flight Cancellations and Safety Concerns
In a later update, Souness confirmed his flight had been cancelled due to the ongoing conflict. "The case continues. Flight's been cancelled, still hearing explosions so we've given up, we're just going to check into a hotel for a couple of nights and see where we are," he explained.
He added a sobering reflection on the human cost of the situation: "You get grumpy – well I do – when you get delays and stuff at airports but I think we should think of people that maybe this time are dying."
Background of the Military Strikes
The US and Israel launched what they described as "pre-emptive" strikes against Iran on Saturday, targeting the Tehran government's nuclear weapons development program. This prompted immediate retaliation from Iran, with missiles reported across the Middle East, including toward Israel and other nations.
Travel Disruptions and Official Warnings
The conflict has led to significant travel disruptions:
- Major airlines have suspended flights to and from Middle Eastern countries until at least Monday.
- The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to register with the government for updates.
- Travel warnings are in place, with advice against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, and instructions for British nationals to shelter in place.
As the situation develops, Souness and other travellers remain in limbo, hoping for a resolution to the regional tensions that have upended their journeys and heightened safety concerns across the Middle East.
