A mother of three revealed that her children were left in fear following an Israeli airstrike just before they were scheduled to depart for the UK from their vacation in Dubai. Dawn Paddock and her children were preparing to board a flight back to the UK with a layover in Qatar when news of the airstrikes in Doha reached them.
Given the unsettling situation, Dawn made a quick decision to opt for a different flight route to avoid potential risks associated with the ongoing conflict. However, this decision came at a cost of over £2,000, which she had to borrow from her children as they had already spent around £4,000 on the holiday.
Dawn shared her distressing experience of receiving last-minute notifications about the airstrikes, which left her and her children anxious and uncertain about their safety. Despite seeking clarification and reassurance from the holiday company, airline, and even the British Embassy, Dawn felt the lack of adequate information made it challenging to make an informed decision.
Ultimately, Dawn and her children decided not to proceed with the original flight plan to Doha, as her children were visibly frightened and preferred not to take any risks. They pooled their resources to book direct flights back home, ensuring their safety and peace of mind during the journey.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Dawn expressed disappointment with the dearth of information and reassurance provided at that critical moment. The family’s unexpected expenses for new flights, although substantial, were a necessary investment in their well-being and peace of mind.
The Israeli airstrike targeted the Leqtaifiya district in Doha, where it aimed at the leadership of Hamas, resulting in casualties among Hamas members, Qatari security forces, and innocent civilians. This incident marked Israel’s first known attack in Qatar, prompting inquiries to Qatar Airways for further comments.