Travellers stranded at Changi Airport after strikes on Iran & retaliatory strikes in Middle East

A Ukrainian couple was stranded in Changi Airport due to flight cancellations, following "pre-emptive" strikes that the United States and Israel launched on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026.

The pair of travellers had recently gone to Vietnam and had planned on arriving in Singapore on Feb. 28 to board a Qatar Airways flight to Doha before heading home.

But they ended up stuck in Singapore for three days and two nights, according to Shin Min Daily News.

About S$15 left

The Ukrainian couple ended up sleeping in the airport with their luggage as they only had 10 euros (S$14.90) left and could not check into a hotel without credit cards, and they no longer had travel insurance.

But the couple were not left high and dry.

Qatar Airways provided them with food vouchers on Mar. 1, 2026.

The couple were entitled to two meals and the airline arranged for them, free-of-charge, to board an early morning flight on Mar. 3, 2026.

In order to get through the night on Mar. 2, 2026, the couple planned to eat fruit they had bought in Vietnam, as well as some chocolate.

Others similarly stuck in Singapore

On Mar. 2, 2026, Shin Min visited Changi Airport and saw members of the public gathered at the Emirates airline counter in Terminal 1 to seek information.

Another 41-year-old passenger, who was affected, was originally scheduled to take a Qatar Airways flight to Doha on Monday night before flying back to Peru via Spain.

With the travel company still making arrangements with the airline, he said he hoped to fly home as soon as possible and will inform his family after the delays are resolved.

German passengers

Prior to this, on the evening of Mar. 1, 2026, many German passengers were also seen asking about the situation at the airport counter as well, Shin Min reported.

A 29-year-old woman from Hamburg, Germany, arrived in Singapore from Bangkok and was scheduled to take Qatar Airways flight to Doha on Sunday, Mar. 1 to transfer back home.

But her plans got disrupted.

A 44-year-old man from Germany arrived in Singapore from Vietnam with his wife, with plans to take a Qatar Airways flight to Doha on Mar. 6 to transfer back to Germany.

They were at Changi Airport to find out more details, but told Shin Min they had yet to receive a response.

Stranded for over 24 hours

In addition, a 30-year-old Filipino woman and her 22-month-old daughter were stranded at the airport for over 24 hours.

They left Manila, Philippines on Feb. 28 and arrived at Changi Airport.

They were originally scheduled to transfer in Abu Dhabi to return to Switzerland.

However, the Etihad Airways flight was cancelled on Mar. 1 when she was at the boarding gate.

"My husband went back to Switzerland ahead of time," she said, adding that the airline provided them with 24-hour accommodation.

On the morning of Mar. 2, she told Shin Min she would travel with her daughter via Taipei to Milan, before returning to Zurich.

Flights cancelled, travel advisory

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was confirmed dead after the airstrikes, and the U.S. added that it had begun "major combat operations" in the country.

With flights being cancelled amid airstrikes across the Middle East, Singaporeans are advised to defer all travel to the region and e-register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at this link to be contactable if needed.

Singaporeans who require consular assistance should reach out to the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission, or otherwise contact the MFA 24-hour Duty Office at:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hr)

​Address: Tanglin, Singapore 248163

Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855

Fax: +65 6476 7302

Email: [email protected]

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News, AFP