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Thousands of Swiss people are stuck in Dubai or Abu Dhabi because of the Iran war. The anger is great. But there is no government guarantee of return – even if the sending department made mistakes.
Mar 5, 2026, 5:34 amMar 5, 2026, 5:34 am
Patrik Müller / ch media
Is the federal government abandoning Swiss people who are stuck in the Gulf region because of the Iran war? Stranded tourists vent their anger on social media. The emotions are understandable. But it is not a fundamental right to be flown back by the federal government in every situation. Anyone who goes on a holiday or business trip does so at their own risk. This especially applies to influencers who quickly fly to Dubai for the weekend.
Grounded: Emirates airline planes in Dubai.Image: keystone
It is not the responsibility of taxpayers back home to evacuate them. Especially since the war was not unexpected. Anyone who read the newspapers knew that the crisis in the Middle East could escalate; Trump has been threatening to intervene for weeks.
However, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA) cannot be relieved of responsibility. It has only advised against travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, the Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan since March 1st. And in times of crisis, it communicates clumsily. It announced on Tuesday evening that the other countries had not organized evacuation flights either. The fact is: Countries like Germany, Austria and Spain are flying citizens back.
Not all Swiss people stuck in the crisis region are luxury tourists. Many only used Dubai or Abu Dhabi as a connecting airport. Some of them have illnesses. Switzerland would have to offer a solution for emergencies. This is not an excessive claim, but a legitimate expectation. (aargauerzeitung.ch)