Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was left stranded in Dubai while en route to the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships, after flight operations were suspended due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The tournament is scheduled to begin on March 3.

Sindhu shared updates on Instagram on Saturday, posting a video from a crowded Dubai airport with the caption: “All flights suspended until further notice.” She later confirmed that she and her team were safe but stuck amid the travel chaos.

In a heartfelt message, Sindhu described the situation as “hard to process,” saying that hearing interceptions overhead and witnessing the rapid escalation was “honestly terrifying.” She noted that several disturbing visuals were circulating online, reflecting the gravity of the unfolding crisis.

Calling Dubai a city she deeply loves and has always felt safe in, Sindhu said the developments were difficult to comprehend. She thanked well-wishers for their messages and reassured fans that she and her team were safe despite being stranded at the airport.

“The airport is chaotic, with many families stranded and waiting. All of us are hoping the situation improves soon,” she wrote, adding that moments like these highlight how fragile normal life can be.

Explosion Near Airport Adds to Tension

On Sunday, Sindhu described the atmosphere as “tense and scary” after an explosion reportedly occurred near the area where she and her coach were staying.

She said the situation was becoming “more frightening by the hour,” as uncertainty continued to loom over travel operations.



Sindhu has been stranded since Saturday along with her Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, as authorities monitor the evolving crisis. It remains unclear when normal flight services will resume.