A host of former Old Firm stars remain stranded in the United Arab Emirates as escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt air travel across the region.
Ex-Rangers F.C. midfielder Charlie Miller and former Celtic F.C. defender Tosh McKinlay are among a group of Scottish football legends currently unable to leave Dubai after regional airspace closures followed military strikes involving Iran.
Legends caught up in travel chaos
The group had travelled to the Gulf for an annual Scotland v England legends event, featuring former internationals from both nations. Also reportedly stranded are ex-Rangers and Scotland defender Colin Hendry, former Celtic winger Simon Donnelly, and ex-Celtic midfielder Brian O’Neil, along with Darren Jackson. Other Scottish players, including Andy McLaren and Robbie Winters, are also believed to be unable to secure flights home.
The Scots had arrived last week and were due to return to Glasgow on Monday. However, missile and drone activity across parts of the Gulf has led to repeated closures of airspace, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
world’s busiest international airport — one of the world’s busiest travel hubs — has faced severe disruption, with departures limited while authorities assess ongoing security risks.
“You don’t know if you’re coming or going”
Speaking from Dubai, Miller described a deeply uncertain and unsettling situation. The former Rangers midfielder revealed that missiles had been visible overhead from their hotel and that information regarding outbound flights had been scarce and inconsistent.
“There’s been a few missiles flying above us in the last few days,” he said. “The hotel we’re in seems to be safe but it’s just been a bit mental. We’re not getting any information. People back home probably have more info than us.
“It’s the uncertainty of everything. We don’t know if or when we’re getting home. One minute the airspace is open then it’s closed. You literally don’t know if you’re coming or going.”
The group are understood to be staying near the Fairmont The Palm hotel, which was reportedly targeted during the unrest, further heightening tensions for visitors and residents alike.
Growing aviation crisis
The disruption comes after US and Israeli strikes on Iran prompted retaliation across the region, causing widespread flight cancellations and diversions. Aviation analysts have warned that airspace will remain closed or heavily restricted while there is any ongoing threat.
Travel expert Alex Macheras noted that authorities require firm assurances of safety before allowing normal operations to resume. With uncertainty continuing, passengers have been left in limbo, unable to confirm departure dates.
Former Rangers star Dale Gordon, who now lives in Dubai and runs a youth coaching academy, described the atmosphere as “quite scary” over the weekend. He recalled hearing loud explosions near the city’s port area while attending a legends reunion event, with smoke visible in the distance.
“It’s been a bit of a testing time for everybody,” Gordon admitted, though he confirmed he had managed to return home safely within the city.
Waiting for clarity
For Miller, McKinlay and the rest of the travelling party, the focus remains on securing safe passage back to Scotland. While there is hope flights could resume in the coming days, the fluid security situation means plans can change rapidly.
Until then, the former Old Firm heroes — accustomed to handling pressure on the pitch in Glasgow derbies — must endure a very different kind of tension off it, as they wait for confirmation that they can finally head home.