March 4, 2026
RED FM News Desk
Canadians stranded in Dubai say they need more direct support from Ottawa as widespread flight cancellations continue following the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Devin Ramoutar, a 27-year-old from Toronto, said he arrived in the United Arab Emirates with his parents and sister for a short vacation but has been unable to return home. Their scheduled departure was cancelled six times as air traffic across parts of the Middle East was halted.
Ramoutar said he contacted Global Affairs Canada shortly after the conflict began but received a response about 48 hours later with general information on leaving the country via land border crossings into Saudi Arabia or Oman. He said the family has not received direct assistance from the Canadian embassy and has had to extend their Airbnb stay while searching for new flights.
Simon Marcotte, 33, from Quebec City, is also in Dubai with his fiancée and her child. He said most outbound flights have been cancelled but found government guidance on land exits helpful.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said 103,000 Canadians have registered in the region. Ottawa is not currently offering assisted departures.
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