by InTrieste
The sudden escalation of hostilities in the Middle East over the weekend rippled far beyond the immediate targets of military strikes, grounding flights across the Gulf and leaving travelers — including Italy’s defense minister — stranded abroad.
Guido Crosetto, who had traveled to Dubai on a civilian flight Friday evening for personal reasons, was reportedly unable to return to Rome as planned after regional airspace closures disrupted international travel. The minister had intended to collect his family and fly back to Italy on Saturday afternoon. Instead, he joined dozens of Italian citizens stuck in the Emirati city as airlines suspended operations.
The disruption followed a joint military operation early Saturday by the United States and Israel targeting sites in Iran, according to regional reports. Iranian forces later responded with drone and missile strikes, some aimed at strategic locations in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
In Dubai, air defense systems were activated amid reports of falling debris in parts of the city, including areas near the Fairmont The Palm hotel. Emirati authorities did not immediately release detailed assessments of damage, but airlines began canceling flights as a precaution.
Among the carriers suspending service was ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, which halted flights to and from Dubai until at least Sunday. Other international airlines serving the Gulf region took similar measures, citing safety concerns and restricted airspace.
Italian officials said Mr. Crosetto, though outside the country, participated by videoconference in an emergency meeting convened at Palazzo Chigi, the prime minister’s office, to assess the unfolding crisis and its implications for Italian nationals and military interests abroad.
His unexpected presence in Dubai during the escalation prompted criticism from the opposition Movimento 5 Stelle. Party representatives questioned whether Rome had been fully informed by its allies ahead of the strikes and argued that the episode highlighted what they described as Italy’s limited influence in international decision-making.
Government officials did not comment directly on those accusations but emphasized that the minister remained in close contact with Italian authorities throughout the crisis.
Other Italians caught in the travel disruption included the rapper BigMama, who posted messages on social media describing the anxiety of hearing air defenses and explosions in the distance. Her posts were widely shared in Italy, underscoring the unease felt by civilians as tensions mounted.
As of early Sunday, Italian authorities said they were monitoring developments and awaiting the reopening of safe air corridors that would allow stranded citizens, including the defense minister, to return home. The broader regional situation remained fluid, with governments across Europe advising travelers to check with airlines and consular services before attempting to depart the Gulf.
