Canadian Couple Feels Abandoned While Stuck in Qatar

A couple from Guelph, Ont., who have been stranded in Qatar since late February express feelings of “disappointment” and “left behind” due to the limited support they’ve received from the Canadian government as they try to leave the country.

Vahid Afrakhteh and Jessica Westlake were en route to Thailand for a holiday and had a one-night stopover in Doha, part of their travel arrangements with Qatar Airways. They were set to fly out on March 1, but Qatari airspace was shut down at the end of last month following the start of the U. S.-Israeli military actions against Iran.

“The alarms went off, and they announced that we should shelter in place for security reasons while flights were grounded that day,” Afrakhteh told from Doha.

“[The government] stated that airspace is closed now and every day we wonder, ‘When will it open? Will it be tomorrow?'”

The U. S. and Israel initiated joint airstrikes against Iran on February 28, resulting in several explosions throughout Tehran and other areas. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli and U. S. bases across the Middle East, including Qatar.

Westlake mentioned hearing loud noises resembling bombs along with vibrations over the weekend.

“It felt surreal because you’re in this beautiful place; Qatar is stunning and very well-kept, yet you can’t quite reconcile that with what’s happening.. it didn’t seem real.”

Vahid Afrakhteh and Jessica Westlake speaking to CBC Kitchener-Waterloo from their hotel in Doha, Qatar. (Carmen Groleau/CBC)

The couple reported not receiving any updates from the Canadian government until March 4 after they contacted Global Affairs Canada themselves, despite having registered with Ottawa’s Registration of Canadians Abroad.

This service is supposed to inform travelers about emergencies at their location while offering essential information during natural disasters or civil unrest, according to details on the government’s website.

“Before our trip, we did everything right: registered with our embassy, secured insurance, checked advisories which were yellow at that time,” Westlake said.

On March 4th, they got an email from Global Affairs Canada stating there were no planned departures or evacuations assisted by the Canadian government at that moment and advised them “not to rely on the Government of Canada for assisted departure or evacuation.”

The email also noted that due to the serious situation in the Middle East their ability to assist was limited.

In an email response to , Global Affairs Canada mentioned it continues exploring departure options based on demand where commercial flights are restricted or unavailable.

“There are upcoming road movements from Bahrain and flights departing from Beirut shortly,” said the agency on Tuesday. “These details have been shared with Canadians registered with us.”

Bus Route Offered To Saudi Arabia

On March 7th, they received an email about a charter bus leaving Doha for Riyadh on March 8th.

The message seen by indicated Canadians taking this bus would need to arrange and pay for their own accommodations, meals, and onward travel from Riyadh.

Westlake and Afrakhteh decided against taking this bus due to concerns about potential escalation during transit hours needed to reach Saudi Arabia.

“They told us over phone conversations they needed time because they wanted a comprehensive plan for our safety. But when it finally came out-it was just a bus,” Afrakhteh expressed.

WATCH | Anand lays out plan to evacuate Canadians from Middle East:

Anand lays out plan to evacuate Canadians from Middle East

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand discussed Ottawa’s evacuation strategy Wednesday amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran affecting many countries’ citizens in the region. Three main options are being arranged for Canadians depending on their location: chartered flights, blocked bookings through airlines like Air Canada or land transport.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand explained again on March 4 how authorities plan help get Canadians back home amidst ongoing conflicts in different areas including Iran offering three key options based upon each region’s conditions – chartered flights alongside block bookings plus ground transportation alternatives available soon thereafter.

Vincent Correia teaches aviation law at Mc Gill University Montreal remarked how governments-including Canada’s-are facing hurdles finding suitable evacuation solutions.

“They’re attempting what seems feasible given circumstances nobody anticipated,” Correia informed CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s The Morning Edition Tuesday morning.

“Once airspace closes down completely no planes can operate; also there arise issues surrounding aircraft availability combined with pilots willing enough enter conflict zones-all complicating matters further.”

Additionally he pointed out governments owe obligations providing diplomatic protection ensuring citizen safety-meaning safely removing people when circumstances allow otherwise making sure there won’t be casualties arising directly tied actions taken within those structures currently underway.”

LISTEN | Guelph couple stuck amid fighting:

The Morning Edition – K-W7:59Guelph pair stranded abroad as violence escalates nearby Iranian clashes
Canadian evacuees gradually returning home post-conflict breakout however thousands remain trapped abroad still! Among them Vahid Afrakhted & Jessica Westlake hailing originally Guelph who landed onto Qatari soil intending toward Thailand just late last month found themselves unable depart ever since then.. Vincent Correia-a Mc Gill University professor specializing aviation law-provides insight regarding potential outcomes involving future travel preparations.

‘A Disappointing Situation'</h2

After enduring eleven days filled countless phone calls towards Global Affairs plus dealing directly company representatives managing airlines involved thus far-the frustrated couple reports feeling neglected left alone devise alternative plans escape route instead relying solely governmental assistance offered up until recently through public channels previously established prior outset trips generally expected guidance under such stressful conditions.”

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(“It’s just overall disappointing experience,” stated Westlake emphatically during conversation.”). paragraphs separated o.. want reassure list early ensuring status classified merely “stranded passengers” needing booked earliest flight feasible.”

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