'Very relieved': Passengers on first Dubai-Singapore flight since Middle East war began recount stressful journey home

Captain Ashok K Batura, Honorary Consul General of Malta in Singapore, and his wife Mrs Sarita Batura reunited with their daughter and two granddaughters, who had prepared a sign to welcome them.

Mrs Batura teared up as she embraced her daughter. She told CNA she worried daily about whether she would make it back home.

The couple had flown out to Malta in late February for a work trip, with their travel including a layover in Dubai. They were supposed to arrive in Singapore last Saturday as well.

They received an email notifying them their flight was cancelled, but that their tickets were still valid. However, rebooking the flights proved to be a hassle, said Capt Ashok.

His colleague in Singapore helped by heading down to the Emirates office to rebook the flight.

Otherwise, in Dubai, it was overwhelming. "Nobody can contact Emirates," he added.