A group of Queen’s University students are stranded at an airport in Doha, Qatar, after escalating hostilities in the Middle East led to regional airspace closures and widespread flight disruptions.
Claire Haffner, a fourth-year biology student, said the group had boarded a flight to Toronto after a field course in Sri Lanka, with a stopover in Doha, when they heard an announcement.
After being in the air for an hour and a half, “there was an announcement that the airspace was closed and we had to return,” he said.
The disruptions come after major attacks by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, which sharply escalated tensions in the region.
In return, Iran responded by launching missiles at Israel and nearby Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar, prompting the immediate closure of airspace throughout the region.
“There was an initial panic between me and my classmates,” Haffner said.
He said the Qatar Airways flight returned to Doha, where passengers were briefly kept on board before disembarking in what he described as a “chaotic scene” inside the airport.
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“Everyone ran out of the plane in a huge crowd,” he said. “Before it was chaotic – there were crowds everywhere and queues, and they were trying to talk to staff. Everyone deals with it differently, but we are all overwhelmed.”
After several hours, the group was told they would not be flying on Saturday night.
Haffner said they were still waiting for word on when airspace would reopen.
“There has been a feeling of unease ever since,” he said. “There’s a sinking feeling in your stomach, you can read the news and you know what’s happening outside… even though you’re protected at the airport.”
He said some students quickly bought electronic SIM cards to stay in touch with their relatives at home.
Trying to remain optimistic, Haffner told Global News: “We are in a safe place, the airport feels like a safe space. I am very lucky to travel with these classmates and my teacher.”
Queen’s University said it is in direct contact with teaching leaders traveling with the group.
“We recognize that this situation may be distressing for students and their families, and their safety and well-being is our top priority,” the university said in a statement to Global News.
“Queen’s is in direct contact with faculty leaders in Doha to offer support and assistance. We have been informed that the group is safe and currently at the airport.”
The university said it partners with International SOS to provide emergency assistance to community members traveling on university-sanctioned activities and that the group has access to 24-hour multilingual support, including help with flight arrangements.
“We will remain in close contact with faculty leaders and continue to offer support as they await more information about next steps,” the statement said.
Global Affairs Canada has updated its travel advisories for Canadians traveling to and from Gulf countries, including Israel, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, warning of “ongoing military activity” in the region.
Flights in and out of Canada to the region have faced cancellations and delays.
– With files from Darya Zargar
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
