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Smagda Karydi: How She Was Stranded in Oman Due to the Middle East Crisis – Describes the Adventure on a Flight

Published March 5, 2026, 14:11
Smagda Karydi: How She Was Stranded in Oman Due to the Middle East Crisis – Describes the Adventure on a Flight

Smagda Karydi described an adventurous return to Greece from Sri Lanka, via Doha, which was interrupted due to the crisis in the Middle East. Her plane was forced to make a U-turn and wait over Muscat airport for about an hour, as the airspace was closed. The flight was delayed for a total of seven hours in the air and another seven hours at the airport in Oman, where passengers waited for the procedures to be completed. The actress described her initial anxiety when she learned about the change of course, but also the composure that prevailed among the passengers. Qatar Airways took care of the accommodation of the passengers in hotels in Oman, covering all expenses. The return to Greece was finally made by an Aegean flight, carrying other Greeks who were in the area. Karydi expressed her gratitude to the Greek Ambassador to Riyadh, Katerina Varvariou, and the Consul in Oman, Ilias Nikolaopoulos, for the help they provided in the smooth return of Greek citizens. The whole experience, although stressful, was faced with patience and understanding by all passengers.