An Ontario couple has been stranded in Qatar since late February after escalating conflict in the Middle East led to the closure of Qatari airspace. Despite taking precautions before traveling and registering with Canadian authorities abroad, the couple says they received minimal assistance from the Canadian government while trying to return home safely.
Travel Plans Disrupted by Middle East Conflict
Vahid Afrakhteh and Jessica Westlake from Guelph, Ontario, were traveling to Thailand for vacation and had scheduled a one-night layover in Doha with Qatar Airways. Their onward flight was planned for March 1.
However, their journey was abruptly disrupted on February 28 when Qatari airspace was shut down following the start of a joint U.S.–Israeli military campaign targeting the Iranian regime. The sudden escalation of hostilities across the Middle East caused widespread flight cancellations and left many travelers stranded.
Afrakhteh described the moment the situation changed, saying alarms sounded and travelers were instructed to shelter in place while all flights were grounded. Since then, the couple has been uncertain about when normal air travel will resume.
Escalation of Regional Violence
The closure of Qatar’s airspace occurred after the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes across Iran on February 28. Explosions were reported in Tehran and several other regions.
In response, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities across the Middle East, including locations in Qatar.
Westlake recalled hearing loud blasts and feeling vibrations that resembled explosions during the weekend of the attacks. She described the experience as surreal, noting the contrast between the calm, polished environment of Doha and the sounds of nearby military conflict.
Limited Communication from Canadian Authorities
Before leaving Canada, the couple had followed recommended travel precautions. They registered with the federal Registration of Canadians Abroad program, purchased travel insurance, and reviewed travel advisories, which were at a moderate “yellow” warning level at the time of departure.
Despite these preparations, Afrakhteh and Westlake said they did not receive any updates from the Canadian government until March 4. They only received information after reaching out directly to Global Affairs Canada themselves.
The email they received explained that Canada was not planning government-assisted evacuations at that time and warned travelers not to rely on the Canadian government for evacuation assistance due to the complexity of the regional conflict.
Government Response and Evacuation Option
Global Affairs Canada stated that it continues to explore travel options for Canadians stuck in the Middle East, especially where commercial flights remain unavailable or severely limited.
The department indicated that certain evacuation routes were being organized, including:
- Road transportation options from Bahrain
- Flights departing from Beirut
- Other region-specific transportation arrangements
These options were communicated to Canadians who had registered with the government’s emergency travel program.
Bus Evacuation Route to Saudi Arabia
On March 7, the stranded couple received another message informing them about a bus charter from Doha to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled for March 8.
According to the email, travelers using the bus would need to organize and pay for their own accommodations, meals, and onward travel after arriving in Riyadh.
Afrakhteh and Westlake decided not to take the bus due to concerns that the conflict could intensify during the long road journey. Afrakhteh noted that the government had suggested they were working on a comprehensive evacuation plan, but the proposed solution was simply a bus ride across the border.
Challenges of Evacuating Citizens from Conflict Zones
Experts say evacuation efforts during conflicts are often complex and unpredictable.
Vincent Correia, an aviation law professor at McGill University, explained that governments worldwide are struggling to arrange travel options for citizens trapped in the region.
He emphasized that once airspace is closed, aircraft cannot operate normally. In addition, governments must locate available planes and find pilots willing to fly into potentially dangerous zones.
Correia noted that governments have a responsibility to provide diplomatic protection and ensure citizens’ safety, but evacuations are only possible when circumstances allow.
Stranded Travelers Growing Frustrated
After more than 11 days in Doha and multiple calls with both Global Affairs Canada and Qatar Airways, the couple says the experience has been exhausting and discouraging.
Westlake described the situation as deeply disappointing, adding that they feel they have been forced to organize their own evacuation plans.
Although Qatar’s airspace has gradually started reopening with limited flights, the couple’s previously booked flight to London scheduled for Thursday was cancelled. They also attempted to secure a direct flight to Toronto on March 11 but were told the passenger list would be determined by government and embassy coordination.
When they contacted the Canadian embassy, officials responded that they did not control airline passenger lists.
Hoping for a Flight Home
Afrakhteh and Westlake say they are not seeking priority over others in more urgent situations. Instead, they simply want reassurance that they are being considered among stranded Canadians waiting for transportation out of Qatar.
For now, the couple remains in Doha, hoping a flight will become available soon so they can finally return home to Canada.
Conclusion
The situation faced by this Ontario couple highlights the complex challenges of international travel during geopolitical crises. Even travelers who follow recommended safety measures—such as registering with their embassy and monitoring travel advisories—can find themselves stranded when conflicts escalate suddenly.
While governments attempt to coordinate evacuation efforts, logistical obstacles such as closed airspace, limited aircraft availability, and security risks can slow the process. For Afrakhteh and Westlake, the experience has underscored the uncertainty of travel during global instability and the importance of clear communication and coordinated emergency support for citizens abroad.
FAQs
Why were travelers stranded in Qatar?
Travelers became stranded after Qatari airspace closed on February 28 following military escalation between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Who are the Canadians stuck in Doha?
Vahid Afrakhteh and Jessica Westlake are a couple from Guelph, Ontario, who were traveling to Thailand when their connecting flight was cancelled.
Did the Canadian government organize evacuations?
Global Affairs Canada said no government-assisted evacuation flights were planned initially, though alternative travel options were later explored.