Footage of Iran’s retaliatory airstrike on a U.S. Naval base is quickly sweeping across social media. As more accounts roll in of the terror in the Middle East, those who were in the air at the time of the strike also share details. A passenger on one flight to Qatar posted a photo of their plane’s flight path. The photo shows the plane making a steep bank to turn back to Philadelphia, as the pilot came over the intercom to explain the change in course.
“Well, folks, Israel and the U.S. are launching missiles. So we have to turn the flight around and go back home,” the OP quotes on Reddit. This flight was one of many headed to locations like Dubai and Tel Aviv that were quickly rerouted due to air strikes. The Dubai-based Emirates airline suspended all flights as of Saturday morning, with no word on when it would be safe to fly again. While this flight headed back to Philadelphia, hundreds of passengers were taken back to airports around the world.
Airlines flying to Lebanon, Lufthansa, Air France, Transavia, Qatar Airways, and Pegasus have also canceled their upcoming flights. As the attack on Iran continues to rage, the Middle East has become off-limits as a no-fly zone. And the news isn’t only affecting passengers, but also those at home who are concerned about those on the ground.
Reddit Reacts to Missile Strikes
“I’m supposed to have a layover in Doha tomorrow, a few kilometers away from the US airbase that Iran had attacked the last time,” one user comments, sharing their own travel plans. “Part of me hopes the flight gets cancelled and I get stuck in Thailand. In all seriousness, I hope everyone stays safe. My thoughts are with the Iranian people.” Others made comments about the current administration and their shaky decisions. “Travel tip: If you are travelling, don’t book a Friday evening flight. That’s when Donald Trump & Pete Hegseth like to launch their wars & kidnappings.”
More Redditors commented on the disappointment in changing plans, but encouraged the OP to focus on their safety. “You know what’s impressive…. They had enough fuel to do that,” one user says. “Going back doesn’t suck. Getting hit by a missile sucks,” another says, while one other echoes this, saying, “That sucks, but it’s better to be alive.”
