Singaporeans stranded by Middle East airspace shutdown face delays, rising costs

“At the same time, I’m also worried for them because some have work waiting,” he said, adding that he was unsure how understanding their employers would be about the situation.

Still, he described the group as cooperative and supportive of one another.

“Overall, everyone is managing it so far. Everyone is staying together, supporting each other,” he said.

Ms Lim, who is staying in an apartment near the Dubai airport with friends, said she has received support from the expat community in the city, with friends and neighbours checking in on each other, reminiscent of the COVID-19 lockdown period.

“Everyone coming together to offer help … it is really bringing out that COVID-style of neighbourly support,” she said.

She added that the current conflict has taught her to appreciate the peace in Singapore and the region.

“As a Singaporean, it teaches me to be grateful … we don’t usually have missile attacks on this side of the world,” she said.