Woman's 'relief and guilt' after escape from Dubai

A British woman who celebrated her 21st birthday in Dubai just before conflict broke out in the Middle East has said she "almost feels guilty" that she had "managed to escape".

Caitlyn, from Blackpool, had been due to return home last Sunday after an "amazing holiday" with her partner.

But they became stuck when the US and Israel's strikes on Iran led to widespread airspace closures.

Iran launched retaliatory attacks on neighbouring countries with American military bases, including the United Arab Emirates.

Caitlyn told BBC Radio Lancashire that she saw Fairmont's The Palm Hotel get struck "not far away from us".

"It was absolutely terrifying," she said.

"It was the horrible sounds of the missiles going off," she added. "It was a very stressful time for us and everybody else."

They took shelter in their hotel basement with other travellers on the first night of the attacks and had been due to return on Sunday.

But flights were stopped after the attacks. Some, however, left mid-week.

"After 36 hours of calling Emirates, we managed to get through and they managed to rearrange flights to 2am on Wednesday morning," she said.

"There was a lot of communication going out about 'don't go to the airport unless you're contacted'.

"But we weren't contacted so we just thought screw it, let's just go to the airport, let's take the risk - we want to get on that plane, we did not want to see that plane leaving without us.

"Everybody was just trying to get out of there."

After arriving home, she said: "I almost feel guilty that I've managed to escape."

She said they "made a lot of companions" while sheltering at the hotel.

"I think we were the first ones to get out of there," she added.

"Obviously it's a birthday I'll never forget."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.