Father's desperate overland journey to reunite with son amid Middle East airspace chaos
Target Dubai - but Verona Pooth's husband is stuck in Istanbul - Father's desperate overland journey to reunite with son amid Middle East airspace chaos
Travel chaos has struck the Middle East after airspace closures left thousands stranded. The disruptions began on 28 February 2026, following Israeli military strikes on Iran. Among those affected is Franjo Pooth, who is now trying to reach his son Rocco in Dubai after flights were grounded.
The Pooth family had moved to Dubai in August 2025, but recent events have separated them. With airports shut and airlines rerouting, Franjo is now attempting a complex overland journey to reunite with his family.
The crisis unfolded when multiple Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace between 28 February and 1 March 2026. Emirates halted all Dubai operations, while major carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France diverted flights away from the region. Around 30,000 German tourists found themselves stranded, including Franjo Pooth, who was stuck in Istanbul when the shutdowns began.
Unable to fly directly, Franjo devised an alternative route. His plan involves flying to Oman, then to Saudi Arabia, before driving the final stretch to Dubai. A security vehicle will escort him from the Saudi border to ensure his safe arrival.
Meanwhile, Rocco Pooth remains in the family's Dubai penthouse with Louisa, the girlfriend of Rocco's brother Diego. Louisa has been providing support and protection during the unrest. Both Rocco and Louisa noted that explosions in the city had become less frequent in recent days.
Franjo's wife, Verona Pooth, was in Germany for a court hearing when the travel disruptions began. Her absence added to the family's separation as Franjo set out on his journey to reach their son.
Franjo Pooth's route to Dubai will take him through Oman and Saudi Arabia before a final drive under escort. The airspace closures have forced thousands, including the Pooth family, to adapt to sudden travel restrictions. For now, Rocco remains in Dubai with Louisa, while his parents work to reunite under difficult conditions.
Leipzig's trams grind to a halt as extreme heat melts tracks
A city's transit system buckles under record temperatures. Now, Leipzig is calling on its residents to save its stranded tram network.
DOLE probes Tab Baldwin's work permit after athlete deaths spark legal scrutiny
Two tragic deaths put a spotlight on Baldwin's employment status. Now, DOLE digs deeper into whether his residency exempts him from labor laws.
Four-car crash in Nakhodka leaves two injured after chain-reaction collision
A moment of lost control turned deadly in Nakhodka. Now, forensic teams race to uncover how one driver's mistake sparked a four-car wreck.
Astana's Kravets Street to close partially for road repairs until July 5
Drivers in Astana, take note: key repairs on Kravets Street start soon. Two-way traffic will stay open—but expect delays and detours.