Travelers on Emirates flights to Dubai experience a lengthy stay at Zurich Airport due to flight delay, potentially leading to an unexpected overnight stay.
Emirates flight EK086 from Zurich to Dubai was delayed overnight on July 19 due to a technical issue, causing inconvenience for its passengers. Among those affected were approximately 300 travellers, including around 20 who held single-entry Schengen visas and were unable to leave the airport terminal due to visa restrictions.
The delayed flight meant that some travellers were provided with hotel accommodation, but those with single-entry visas were effectively stranded inside the terminal. With most airport facilities and restaurants closing by 11 pm, these passengers were left with limited access to food, resting areas, or clear information.
Negin Jafari, a Dubai-based Iranian expat, and her friend Sanaaz found themselves spending more than 20 hours at Zurich Airport, starting from the evening of July 19. When the flight was cancelled, they had nowhere to go as hotel accommodation inside the airport was fully booked. Around 2 am, Emirates staff provided makeshift beds in airport corridors, but these arrangements were temporary and passengers were woken up early to clear the space.
The airline officially apologised for the inconvenience, emphasising passenger safety as a priority. Affected passengers were provided with food and refreshments, and hotel accommodation where possible. Some passengers were rebooked on a 3.30 pm flight on July 20, while others had to wait until 8 pm to depart.
However, the airline did not specify whether all passengers were provided with hotel accommodation or if some were still stranded at the airport. The Emirates spokesperson expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and emphasised the airline's commitment to the safety of passengers and crew.
This situation highlights the particular challenges faced by single-entry Schengen visa holders in the event of unexpected flight disruptions that require them to stay overnight outside their intended itinerary, without the ability to leave the airport and seek external accommodation.
Negin Jafari, who has been living in the UAE for 23 years, expressed relief at reaching home safely after the delay. She suggested that if the delay had occurred at Dubai Airport, passengers might have faced less hardship. The Emirates spokesperson stated that they worked closely with the airport authority to ensure that stranded passengers received the best possible support under the circumstances.
Despite the difficulties faced by the stranded passengers, Emirates maintained a focus on passenger safety and did their best to provide support during the unexpected delay.
In light of the delay in Emirates flight EK086, passengers with single-entry Schengen visas were stranded inside the airport terminal due to visa restrictions, leaving them with limited access to food, resting areas, and clear information. Negin Jafari, one of the stranded passengers, faced over 20 hours at Zurich Airport, highlighting the unique challenges faced by travelers with such visas during unexpected flight disruptions. Despite these difficulties, Emirates prioritized passenger safety and provided aid, including food, refreshments, and temporary sleeping arrangements in airport corridors.
