Couple stranded in Middle East 'lucky' to get home

A couple from Cornwall have spoken of their "relief" at returning home after being stuck in Dubai amid the US-Israel war with Iran.

Tony Church, 56, and his wife Cynnamon, 52, from Goonhavern had flown to the United Arab Emirates to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary but were unable to travel home as planned because of the ongoing conflict.

The couple previously said they felt "totally abandoned" after a lack of information from the government and Etihad Holidays, and that they just wanted to get home to see their three children and grandchild.

Mr Church said they felt "lucky" to get home with thousands of people still stuck in the Middle East.

Church said it was "surreal" and had no idea of the conflict until they were woken at about 00:45 GST by the alarms on their phones alerting them of the threats of missiles.

"Being startled and woken up, that was the worst bit for me," he said.

The pair said they were due to fly back to the UK on 4 March but the flight was cancelled due to the conflict, but they were later booked on a flight by Etihad.

He said they tried "to get details from Etihad Holidays in the UK and we were just getting nothing" with no replies to emails and "no support".

The Foreign Office had previously said British nationals who needed consular help should contact the British Embassy.

On its website, Etihad Holidays said it was working "with the highest priority to arrange the earliest possible and safe return travel for all".

He believed an interview with BBC Radio Cornwall about their situation was a major factor in them getting home as quickly as they did.

"We were really lucky", he said.

"We've had lots of support from people back home.

"Clearly there are still thousands of people, stuck in the Middle East and I hope they get home safely too."

Church said landing back in the UK was "a weight lifted" off his shoulders.

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