Extended Stay in New Zealand Amid Middle East Conflict
Our trip to New Zealand was intended as a four-week opportunity to spend quality time with my brother, who emigrated from Scotland 21 years ago, and his young family. However, the planned duration is now approaching six weeks after two flights home to Scotland were cancelled due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The disruption has resulted in additional costs of approximately £4,500 beyond the initial holiday expenses. Our eldest daughter has missed school, my husband and I—both self-employed—are not earning income, and my parents require prescription medication.
We recognize our fortunate situation of being stranded on a farm 45 minutes south of Christchurch and are grateful for the hospitality extended to us over the past five weeks and counting. Nonetheless, the question remains: when will we return home to Dumfries and Galloway?
Memorable Experiences During Initial Holiday
During our original four-week holiday, we enjoyed exploring various locations across New Zealand's South Island. As a family, we created wonderful memories, immersing ourselves in the country's stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and relaxed lifestyle.
We experienced jet-boating on Lake Brunner, dolphin watching in Akaroa, and sightseeing in Christchurch.
We swam in lakes and rivers, and watched the children and their cousins enjoy playgrounds and beaches. We also cheered on Scotland in the Six Nations rugby tournament from the home of the All Blacks.
However, just days before our scheduled return, a decision by US President Donald Trump precipitated a rapid escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The closure of Dubai airspace meant we would be unable to fly home as planned, with our flights on 8 March cancelled.
'Act of War or Conflict'
We had booked our flights through local travel agents, Border Travel, and contacted them in Dumfries to discuss options. One possibility was to cancel our Emirates flights and use the refund to book alternative flights home via different airlines, routing through Malaysia or the United States to avoid the conflict zone near the Arab states.
However, flight availability was limited and ticket prices were significantly higher—approximately an additional £1,000 per person.
The alternative was to rebook with Emirates on their next available flight, scheduled for 16 March.
Although we held travel insurance, the policy excluded coverage for events caused by an "act of war or conflict," meaning we were not entitled to compensation for alternative flights or accommodation.
Consequently, we chose to wait for the later Emirates flight, extending our holiday by nine days.
My husband faced additional challenges as he had booked through an online agency and traveled two weeks after the rest of us due to work commitments. He spent considerable time in virtual waiting rooms attempting to speak with a representative but was redirected to an AI chat-bot. Ultimately, he had to book a new flight and is still awaiting a refund.
In an effort to focus on positives, I viewed the extended time together as a family as a bonus despite the financial and professional setbacks.
Dubai Airspace Closure and Flight Cancellation
On Monday, we said emotional goodbyes to our family, uncertain when we would reunite. After passing through check-in and security, we were relaxing in the departure lounge when, an hour before takeoff, the tannoy system announced a cancellation.
An Emirates supervisor informed us that Dubai airspace had been closed due to a fire caused by an Iranian drone striking a fuel tank, leading to the suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport.
We were required to return to the boarding gate, surrender our tickets, pass back through passport control, retrieve our luggage, and return to the check-in desk. Emirates staff provided a contact number but indicated they could not assist further.
By 18:00, our daughters were tired and hungry. We arranged accommodation for the night in central Christchurch, took a taxi, and found a pub for dinner, incurring an additional £300 in unexpected expenses.
Regarding travel home, we were back to the starting point. Border Travel advised that alternative routes via America on other airlines would cost an additional £6,000. Alternatively, we could take the next Emirates flight scheduled in several days.
Given the mounting costs of the extended holiday, we opted for the Emirates flight and booked two more nights of accommodation in Christchurch to avoid imposing further on my brother Scott and his family, who had already been exceptionally accommodating.
Between moving accommodations, we faced costs for luggage storage, taxis, cafes, and restaurants. Ultimately, we accepted Scott and his wife Katy's offer to collect us, and we are now back at their home, hoping our next scheduled flight departs as planned.
Life on the Farm and Ongoing Challenges
As I write from Scott's office, I observe my two children running barefoot around the garden, enjoying the autumn sunshine. They remain unaware of the travel difficulties surrounding our trip, which is appropriate. Extra days playing with cousins on the farm are a positive for them.
For the adults, the situation is more complex. My parents and daughter require prescription medications, necessitating online medical consultations and costly pharmacy visits.
Extended leave from work has significant consequences. My husband has had to cancel additional kitchen-fitting jobs, affecting not only his customers but also plumbers, electricians, and builders scheduled for related work. This results in further income loss.
Similarly, my work is limited from here; reporting and filming news stories from the south of Scotland is challenging while in New Zealand.
Each day here accrues £8 in airport parking fees as our car remains unused in Glasgow.
I have communicated with my daughter's head teacher to explain her continued absence from school.
Fortunately, friends are caring for our sausage dog, who is training to be a less-than-useful sheepdog during their busy lambing season.
We deeply appreciate New Zealand and our family here, but there is no place like home. We look forward to returning to Glasgow, hoping it will be sooner rather than later.
"We know we are lucky to be stranded on a farm, 45 minutes south of Christchurch, and we are thankful to have had such wonderful hospitality for five weeks (and counting). But when will we get home to Dumfries and Galloway?"
"We made the decision to play the waiting game and take the later flights - extending our holiday by nine days."
"On Monday we said our teary goodbyes to our family, not knowing when we would all be together again."
