Queen’s University students are stranded in Doha after an Iranian attack closed the airport
A group of Queen’s University students remain stranded at an airport in Doha, Qatar, after escalating tensions in the Middle East led to the closure of regional flights and widespread flight disruptions.
Claire Haffner, a fourth-year biology student, said the group was on a flight to Toronto following a course in Sri Lanka, with a stopover in Doha, when they heard the announcement.
After being in the air for an hour and a half, “there was an announcement that the airfield was closed and we had to go back,” he said.
This disruption follows major strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iran, and intensifying tensions in the region.
In retaliation, Iran responded by firing missiles at Israel and neighboring Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar, leading to the immediate closure of airports across the region.
“At first there was panic between me and my classmates,” said Haffner.
He said the Qatar Airways flight returned to Doha, where passengers were held for a while before disembarking in what he described as “chaos” at the airport.
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“Everyone ran out of the plane in a big crowd,” he said. “It was chaotic earlier – there were crowds all over the place and the line, and they were trying to talk to the staff. Everyone deals with it differently, but we’re all frustrated.”
A few hours later, the group was told that they would not be flying out on Saturday night.
Haffner said they are still waiting to hear when the airfield will open.
“There has been an uneasy feeling ever since,” he said. “There’s a feeling that sinks into your gut, and you can read the news, and you know what’s going on outside … even though you’re in the security of the airport.”
He said some students immediately buy electronic SIM cards to keep in touch with family at home.
Trying to stay positive, Haffner told Global News, “We’re in a safe place, the airport feels like a safe place. I’m very lucky to be traveling with my classmates and my professor.”
Queen’s University said it is in direct contact with faculty leaders who are traveling with the group.
“We recognize that this situation may be stressful for students and their families, and their safety and well-being is our top priority,” the university said in a statement to Global News.
“Queen’s is in direct contact with the leaders of the Doha unit to provide assistance and support. We have been told that the group is safe and is currently at the airport.”
The university said it is partnering with International SOS to provide emergency assistance to members of the public traveling on university-sanctioned activities and that the group has access to 24-hour multilingual support, including assistance with flight arrangements.
“We will continue to communicate with the leaders of the unit and continue to support as we await further information on the next steps,” the statement said.
Global Affairs Canada has updated its travel advice for Canadians visiting or returning from Gulf countries, including Israel, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, warning of “ongoing military activity” in the region.
Flights in and out of Canada to the region have faced cancellations and delays.
– With files from Daria Zargar
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
