Dubai-bound Emirates passengers travelling to Dubai with Emirates were stranded overnight at Zurich Airport, as the delays left many stranded in the terminal without hotel arrangements. Emirates Airlines put some of them up in hotels, but some other passengers, who hold single-entry Schengen visas, have to remain inside the airport as they cannot leave due to their visa situation.
This maddening ordeal points the challenges of traveling from abroad when delays hit up against visa deadlines, airport logistics, and airline policy.
Emirates Delay Prompts Chaos for Dubai-Bound Passengers Stuck Overnight on a Flight
The Emirates flight was delayed overnight, leaving frustrated passengers on their way to Dubai hanging around airport terminals. Emirates may have been able to arrange hotel accommodations for some of the passengers, but the situation was bleak if they had a single-entry Schengen visa. Those passengers, however, were not able to have exited the airport anyway, and were forced to spend a miserable night on benches and floors within the terminal. 
The affected travelers expressed their frustration online, with some saying it was a “stressful and poorly handled” experience. The airlines try to help, but there is little they can offer to visa-limited travelers.
For visa restrictions see Schengen visa article.
Travelers Visalocked Found Stuck at Zurich Airport Terminal
Dubai-bound Emirates incident raises questions over the contingency plans for Dubai-bound Emirates passengers and how airlines deal with customers whose visa is not as flexible. A Schengen visa for one entry means you can enter the Schengen area just once. Once outside, the visa is no longer valid, so reentry—even for hotel accommodations during a layover—is not allowed.
For those passengers, the only way to stay was airside, with few facilities and bedding. “Treated like a criminal just because my visa doesn’t allow re-entry,” one passenger wrote on social media. There was no communication.”
If you have flight plans in the coming weeks, read our guide to Emirates flight delay compensation.
How to Prepare for Travel Disruptions as an Emirates Passenger
Dubai-bound Emirates This delay should be a wake-up call to travelers to know the limits of their visa and for airlines to work on communication and support. There are a few things passengers bound for Dubai on Emirates can do to prepare for potential disruptions:
Understand your visa terms: If you’re transiting through a Schengen country, ensure that your visa permits either multiple entries or a temporary stay duration that can cover the entire transit time.
Book flexible agendas: Look for flights with long layovers or to destinations not in the Schengen area.
Travel insurance counts: If you have comprehensive coverage, it can provide perks such as accommodation and food allowances during delays.
How to get a UAE tourist visa
This delay should serve as a wake-up call for travelers to understand the limitations of their visas and for airlines to improve communication and support. Here are a few steps Dubai-bound Emirates passengers can take to prepare for such disruptions:
Know your visa terms: Make sure your visa allows multiple entries if you’re transiting through a Schengen country.
Book flexible itineraries: Consider choosing connections that allow for longer layovers or are outside of the Schengen zone.
Travel insurance matters: Comprehensive coverage can offer benefits like accommodation and food allowances during delays.
Final Thoughts: Airlines Must Improve Support for Visa-Limited Travelers
Dubai-bound Emirates The unfortunate tale of Dubai-bound Emirates passengers at Zurich Airport is a lesson for flyers and airlines alike. Future delays don’t have to lead to such discomfort, with greater awareness and airline communication. It is important that Emirates and others have robust arrangements to help travelers affected by visa restrictions and that all passengers are treated fairly and appropriately.
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