Dubai-bound Emirates passengers stranded overnight at Zurich Airport after flight delay
While some travellers were provided with hotel accommodation, others — particularly those holding single-entry Schengen visas — were unable to leave the airport terminal.
With the airport closing at 11pm, these passengers found themselves effectively stranded, without access to food, rest facilities, or clear information.
Some affected passengers turned to social media to document their frustration. 'We literally have nowhere to go and no way to wait this out comfortably. Flight back tomorrow at 8pm as Emirates airline announced," Negin Jafari, one of the passengers, posted at around 1am.
By 2am on Sunday (July 20), the same passenger shared a photo of makeshift beds inside the terminal, writing: 'So this is how it ends up for us. We have to wait here till tomorrow for any updates. The only hope for food is when the Emirates lounge opens at 8.30am. Just wait and survive the night somehow.'
Later that morning, at 7.58am, she reported that staff had begun waking passengers. 'They just came and woke everyone up because the airport is opening, and apparently these 'beds' have to go!' she wrote.
Her 9am update summed up the mood: 'We're still stuck here — hungry, exhausted, and with no clear answers. We can't even leave this area to buy food ourselves. Literally trapped in the airport with nothing. This is unbelievable."
Frustrated, she added: "No one is taking responsibility! They just keep telling us to wait for someone from Emirates to show up… and we're still waiting."
In a statement to Khaleej Times, an Emirates spokesperson confirmed the delay. "Emirates flight EK086 from Zurich to Dubai on July 19experienced an overnight delay due to a technical issue. Affected passengers have been provided with food and refreshments, and hotel accommodation where possible.
"Regrettably, some passengers were unable to leave the airport; however, we worked closely with the airport authority to ensure they received the best possible support under the circumstances."
The airline added that the flight has been rescheduled for departure at 8pm local time on July 20.
'Emirates sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance,' the spokesperson added.
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