US-Iran war leaves Black Queens trapped in UAE

Nii Ayitey Brown 11:03 - 01 March 2026

Ghana’s Black Queens have been stranded in the United Arab Emirates after airspace closures triggered by escalating Israel-Iran conflict disrupted flights. The team, in Dubai for the Pink Ladies’ Cup, awaits further instructions as Ghana issues travel advisories.

Ghana’s senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, have been left stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the abrupt closure of airspace and cancellation of international flights tied to escalating Israel-Iran conflict, according to reports.

The team, comprising 25 players and 16 officials, had travelled to Dubai on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 to participate in the Pink Ladies’ Cup, a four-nation friendly tournament arranged as part of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to begin in Morocco on 17 March.

The Queens won their opening match 4-0 against Hong Kong on Saturday, 28 February but soon after, parts of Dubai reportedly experienced missile attacks linked to retaliatory strikes in the widening Israel-Iran conflict.

Following the escalation, all flights into and out of the UAE were suspended, leaving the Black Queens and other travellers unable to depart.

In an interview with JoySports, one player confirmed that though the team had not been directly hit by the violence, they were preparing to evacuate and had packed their luggage in readiness to leave once officials secured safe passage.

“We have all finished packing and are awaiting further communication from the officials,” the player said, expressing uncertainty about when they could return home.

The team is lodged at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Sharjah, near Dubai. The unfolding crisis has thrown their tournament schedule into jeopardy, with subsequent fixtures, including matches against Russia and Tanzania, now unlikely to proceed as planned.

The Black Queens’ situation mirrors broader regional disruptions triggered by the conflict. Airlines operating in the Gulf have cancelled or diverted scores of flights, including direct services from Accra to Dubai, leaving many passengers stranded.

In response to the escalating risk, the Ghanaian government has issued formal travel advisories urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Middle East and remain vigilant if already in the region.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned that volatile conditions could cause sudden airspace closures, heightening security threats and complicating travel plans.

Ghana’s UAE Consulate in Dubai has also advised nationals to “remain at home and limit all non-essential movement; do not travel” while the situation remains unstable, cautioning against visits to crowded or sensitive locations.

The travel disruption stems from a marked escalation in hostilities between Israel, Iran, and allied forces, including reported joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory attacks on assets in Gulf states such as the UAE.

This has triggered airspace lockdowns, flight suspensions, and heightened risk warnings for civilians across the region.

The UAE Defence Ministry reported intercepting dozens of missiles and drones launched in retaliation, which tells a lot about the intensity of the crisis and its potential threat to civilians and international travellers.

The Black Queens had geared up for the Pink Ladies’ Cup as part of a preparatory buildup to one of Africa’s most important tournaments. The uncertainty now places their ongoing competitive readiness in question.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions remain in contact with affected nationals, including stranded travellers, to coordinate safe movements and provide consular support while developments continue.

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