Brit, 18, on first ever solo flight stranded in Doha for more than a day
A British teenager flying on her own for the first time has been stranded in Doha for more than 24 hours, after she was caught in the crossfire of mounting conflict in the Middle East.
Jamie Mason Walker set off from Heathrow Airport on Sunday evening. After a stopover at Doha Hamad International Airport, she was due to arrive in Melbourne, Australia, to visit her great-aunt on Monday.
But her flight from Heathrow was delayed, meaning she missed her connecting flight. Qatar then closed its airspace amid missile strikes and rising tensions between Israel, Iran, and the US.
Iran launched a missile attack on the US military's Al-Udeid Air Base near Doha on Monday evening, forcing one of the world's busiest airports to cancel all departures and divert arrivals.
Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, shortly after the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. But within hours, Israel claimed Iran had broken it.
Now, with concerns about World War Three rising, thousands of people are stuck in airports waiting to get home.
Jamie, who recently turned 18, was gifted a three-week trip to Australia by her family so she could visit her great-aunt, who lives in Melbourne.
While she has been to Greece and Barcelona, the student, who starts university in September, has never flown long-haul or had to make a connection before. It is her first time outside Europe.
Her grandmother Angie Jeffs, from Northampton, said the dream trip had turned into the family's worst nightmare.
So far she believes Jamie, who is also from Northampton, doesn't know about the Al-Udeid Air Base bombing and Qatari airspace being closed down, instead attributing her travel disruption to general delays.
Angie explained: 'We haven't told her why the airport was shut down, she's presuming it's just delays, we didn't want to worry her if we started telling her there was a bomb near where she is.
'She doesn't know anything, unless she heard other people talking about it, but if she did she didn't mention it to me.'
Angie's sister in Melbourne has been on the phone with the British Embassy in Australia, trying to find out when Jamie will be able to get on a plane to Melbourne.
So far, they say she was told she'd be put on the next plane to Melbourne. But two flights have taken off without Jamie since she arrived in Doha.
Angie said: 'We're all very worried, my sister just called the embassy to find out what's going on and why she wasn't put on those planes.
'We just don't seem to be getting any information, so we just have to wait and so does she – I just hope it doesn't put her off flying.'
Discussing Jamie's experience of the airport, Angie said: 'Luckily we paid for someone to collect her from the plane in Doha and put her on the next plane, they have been helping her.
'She's in a lounge where she can have free food and she slept there last night.
'There are lots of other people in the same boat, that lounge is absolutely heaving with people.
Metro's travel team has looked into whether there are any restrictions on UK passengers planning to travel to Doha.
Hamad International Airport, a major transit hub and the world's second busiest airport behind Dubai, was closed from Monday evening into the early hours of Tuesday, around 1.20am.
But the UK Foreign Office has not advised against travelling to Qatar. On Tuesday morning, the UK and the US lifted their 'shelter in place' orders.
Because of this, it's unlikely you'll be able to cancel your trip and receive a full or even partial refund.
The FCDO warns of travel disruption, including snap airspace closures, as well as delayed and cancelled flights.
Anyone travelling to or transiting in Qatar is advised to keep up to speed with Foreign Office guidance, and monitor local media for the latest information.
'She said there's quite a few people who have chatted to her, everyone seems calm.
'The airport staff are very friendly but we don't suppose they can do a lot. More Trending
'She met a couple of ladies with children who said they would watch over her while she had a couple of hours' sleep, which was nice of them.'
Jamie is due to return home on July 13, and the family are desperately hoping she won't be stuck in the same situation on her return trip.
'We'd rather she was stranded in Melbourne because at least she's got family there,' Angie added.
The family's most recent update from Jamie is that she is due to get on a plane to Melbourne at 8.30pm tonight, local time, but whether this pans out as planned remains to be seen.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: Yvette Cooper seems more scared of red paint than Gaza's bloodshed
MORE: Inside the 'humiliating' influencer marriage break-up 7 months after the wedding
MORE: Is it safe to travel to Egypt? Latest Foreign Office tourist advice after Iran strikes US airbase
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn
The EU are due to discuss the new law next month PACK IT IN UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn AIRLINES could be banned from charging British passengers bringing hand luggage on flights, it is claimed. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is understood to be considering proposals to change the rules after the EU Parliament transport and tourism committee put forward a new law to allow two carry-on items free as standard. Advertisement 5 Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, is reported to be considering the proposals Credit: Alamy 5 New rules could mean everyone gets a free carry-on bag Credit: Getty 5 But the new rules could drive up air fares for passengers Credit: Alamy If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker - as long as it weighs no more than 7kg and measures up to 100cm. Ryanair and Wizz Air introduced fees for large cabin bags in 2018, and easyJet followed suit in 2021. However, the likes of British Airways and already include two pieces of cabin baggage as standard in their base fairs. But there are fears some airlines will put up ticket prices to claw back revenue losses - with some claiming the proposals are unworkable due to lack of space and warn flights maybe delayed. Advertisement A transport source spoke to the i newspaper after the EU committee voted to introduce the standardised allowance. Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage. The proposals are still under discussion by member states and a time frame for implementation are unclear, though a meeting is scheduled for July. The UK source told the i the Government was also looking at changing the law in the coming months, although policy development is at an early stage. Advertisement A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: 'We do not comment on speculation but continue to closely monitor the EU's proposals on air passenger rights reforms. 'We want to make sure passengers can travel with ease, which is why we landed a deal with the EU to allow millions more British nationals to use e-gates at airports in time for the summer holidays.' Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too Airlines have warned they may need to increase ticket prices which would impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags. Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico: 'The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.' Advertisement Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Advertisement Last year, there were reports that there were going to be changes to the hand luggage rules - but these did not change. Speaking to The Independent at the time, Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Europe's biggest budget carrier, Ryanair said: "We do think there should be a standardised agreement on what can be brought on board. "We're working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven't reached an agreement with them yet." While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this popular travel bag that's allowed on Ryanair flights for free. Advertisement Plus the travel bags, plane outfits and accessories we can't live without – and they start from just 99p. Expert opinion on what the new rules mean for you Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in. EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers. But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward. Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges. And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits. These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair's revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair's ancillary revenues were worth £884million. Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags. They also point out many airlines won't be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags. But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing. Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out. 5 Potential new rules could mean all passengers can bring a free carry-on bag onboard Credit: Alamy
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
European wildfire hell - all the holiday heat dome hotspots battling infernos
Wildfires have broken out in several European countries loved by British holidaymakers, with Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Turkey and France all impacted as a powerful heatwaves roasts the Continent Wildfires have broken out across Europe as the Continent battles with ferociously hot temperatures. The mercury could reach a ferocious 47°C in Spain this weekend, while road surfaces are beginning to melt in Italy. Those in France, Portugal, Turkey and Greece are also struggling to deal with stifling, brutally hot days and nights. As well as the heat being a danger to the health of locals and holidaymakers alike, with one tourist already having lost their life to heatstroke in Majorca, the risk of wildfires is sky high in countries across Europe, and have already broken out in several. It's unlikely the heat will relent anytime soon, thanks to the heat dome currently hanging over Europe. The meteorological phenomenon occurs when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one region, acting like a lid on a pot. The impact of human-driven climate change has only made the risk of such heatwaves worse. Greece Greece has borne the brunt of the wildfires in Europe so far this summer, with serious blazes breaking out in several areas. A fierce blaze ripped through the area south of Athens on Thursday, leading to evacuation orders and forcing officials to shut off sections of the vital coastal route from the Greek capital to Sounion — home of the historic Temple of Poseidon and a key draw for visitors. As a dozen aircraft and helicopters swooped in to combat the blaze from above, they supported a ground operation of 130 firefighters and their volunteer counterparts near Palaia Fokaia, on the outskirts of Athens. The coast guard announced that two patrol boats and nine private vessels were on standby in the Palaia Fokaia area, ready for a potential sea evacuation. Fire department spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis revealed that 40 individuals had been evacuated by police, while evacuation orders were issued for five areas in total. The wider Athens area, along with several Aegean islands, is currently on Level 4 of a 5-level scale for wildfire risk due to weather conditions, with the heatwave predicted to persist until the weekend. Earlier this week, it took hundreds of firefighters four days to control a significant wildfire on the eastern Aegean island of Chios. Over a dozen evacuation orders were issued for Chios, where the flames consumed forests and farmland. Wildfires are a common occurrence in Greece during its sweltering, arid summers. In 2018, a colossal fire engulfed the coastal town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping residents in their homes and on escape routes. The disaster claimed over 100 lives, including some who tragically drowned while attempting to swim away from the inferno. Spain So far, wildfires have been limited in Spain, but the threat is rising as the country braces for seriously high temperatures over the coming days. The mercury could reach a ferocious 47°C in Spain this weekend. On Thursday, a forest fire broke out in the Talavera de la Reina region, creating a column of smoke visible from the city. A total of 10 vehicles — two of them aerial — and 38 personnel were called in to put it out. The Canary Islands government has issued a warning for Gran Canaria starting this Saturday due to high temperatures across the entire island. There is a risk of forest fires at altitudes above 400 metres. Temperatures in Gran Canaria are expected to exceed 34°C this weekend and will likely approach 37°C, with strong winds increasing the danger. The Canary Islands government is urging the public to avoid lighting fires — even in barbecues or recreational areas — and to avoid using tools or machinery that could produce sparks, such as chainsaws, brush cutters, or welders. A pre-alert for heat has been issued for the rest of the archipelago, with temperatures expected to be around 30–34°C (86–93°F) on El Hierro, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, as well as on the eastern, southern, and western slopes of Tenerife, and 26–32°C (79–90°F) on the northern coast of Gran Canaria. Portugal Wildfires are serious business in Portugal. Last year, there were 6,267 individual wildfires recorded, with 16 people losing their lives as a result. In total, 137,000 hectares were destroyed — an area four times larger than the previous year. So far this year, 22 people have been arrested for arson, according to Público. The total financial loss last year in Portugal — including materials, biomass for energy, fruits, and stored carbon — reached around 67 million euros and affected 2.36 million cubic metres of wood. While last year was, hopefully, an outlier in terms of wildfire severity, with temperatures nudging 40°C in parts of Portugal this weekend, blazes are likely. Italy The boot-shaped country is also facing the risk of wildfires this weekend, with unrelenting sunshine and highs nudging 40°C in the south. Today, two fires broke out near Rome and in Dragoncello. Flames and smoke rose up, threatening to engulf several properties. Turkey Wildfires broke out in eight provinces in Turkey on a single day this week. Most were in western provinces — areas where many Europeans travel on holiday. All fires were brought under control after coordinated air and ground efforts. According to the General Directorate of Forestry, five of the fires began in rural areas and later spread to nearby forests. 'Fifty percent of wildfires start in agricultural zones. Small acts of negligence can lead to major disasters,' the authority warned, urging the public not to "set our future on fire.' One of the most dangerous blazes broke out in the Osmangazi district of the northwestern province of Bursa. Fueled by strong winds, the flames quickly spread from forested areas to nearby residential zones. France France has yet to be hit by major wildfires this year, but firefighters are on high alert this weekend. The Bouches-du-Rhône is on orange alert, and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Vaucluse are on yellow alert due to the intense heat expected to persist into the weekend. Strong winds may make matters more difficult to control if a blaze does break out. According to La Provence, the 'risk of major fires is high.' Let me know if you'd like this shortened or rewritten for publication (e.g., news website, print, or social media).
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Cave dubbed 'world's most breathtaking secret' could kill you within minutes
The Cave of the Crystals is one of the most stunning geological wonders at the centre of the Earth – but it's not a place you would want to stay for long because death would find you within minutes A remarkable geological marvel located at the heart of our planet has been dubbed the "best kept and most breathtaking secret on the planet" - but visiting it would be a deadly risk. The hostile underground cavern, known as the Cave of the Crystals, is situated in Chihuahua, Mexico. Broadcaster Michael Usher, who negotiated for two years to gain access, described it as "mother nature's Sistine Chapel" that is "almost something from out of space". The cave, filled with spectacular crystals weighing up to 55 tonnes and reaching 11 metres in height, lies 300 metres beneath a lead mine in the town of Naica. The crystal-filled chamber was only discovered in 2000 when miners stumbled upon it during drilling operations. The cave, shaped like a horseshoe, extends for 110 metres. Despite its mesmerising interior, lingering there too long could prove fatal. Recently, 60 Minutes Australia reissued a video showing their reporter being granted rare access, where he stated: "The furnace-like heat and soaring humidity can kill you in minutes. But when you see what I saw - you will see why it was worth every suffocating gasp for breath." Humans are not designed to survive in 58Cheat coupled with stifling humidity. Before Michael descended into the cave, an accompanying doctor warned: "This is going to be the harshest environment that you and I are ever going to come across in our life. So I am excited but a little anxious." The crystals were described as "the most spectacular anywhere in the word" with Michael saying he was "literally blown away" by the beauty of it. Also present was British geologist Dougal Jerram who marvelled at what he was seeing, saying it was the stuff of make believe while comparing it to something you would see in a Walt Disney production. However, despite the scenery, the trio were soon sweating profusely, comparing the feeling to like running a marathon. The humidity is at a perilous 90% and people aren't allowed to stay more than 10 minutes, even with specially-designed cooling suits. The doctor said they were essentially being cooked from the inside and the geologist added: "It is a remarkable place but it is so overpowering in terms of its attack on you in the environment. You are in this kind of constant battle of being overpowered physically, mentally and psychologically in every way." Struggling for breath, they soon left the cave, and were left to reflect on what they witnessed. The crystal cave they explored was first formed some 26 million years ago when magma rose from the reservoir, which, according to Live Science, pushed mineral-rich waters up through cracks in the rock. This opened up caverns in the limestone before the deposits were crystalised over thousands of years. Following his visit to the "enormous" natural wonder, roughly the size of a football pitch, geologist Dougal was left in awe, stating: "Oh, this is truly one of the most... if we were to list seven geological wonders of the world, this is definitely one of them." Due to its perilous nature, scientists are required to obtain a special permit to explore the Cave of the Crystals, and it remains strictly off-limits to tourists.
