Middle East conflict: Auckland trio stranded in Doha feel ‘on holiday’ after Kiwi steps in

Three New Zealanders stranded in Qatar amid escalating hostilities in the region feel like they’re “actually on holiday” after being offered help by a Kiwi living there.

Anna Jones’ aunt, uncle and mother, all in their 70s and 80s, got stuck in Doha during a layover on a flight from Auckland to Oslo for the “trip of a lifetime”.

Multiple airlines have cancelled flights to and from the region, with many countries closing their airspace since the beginning of the conflict on Saturday (NZT).

The three Aucklanders, Ion and Barbara Quigley and Christine Connolly, were “absolutely terrified” of their situation, but since the Herald had highlighted their plight, they have been shown a good time in the Gulf city by a Kiwi resident, which had helped ease their worries.

A person whose sister is married to a Kiwi Doha resident contacted Jones, who managed to connect them with the 78, 79, and 83-year-olds.

Ion & Barbara Quigley and Christine Connolly were flying to Norway when they were stranded in Doha during a layover. Photo / Anna Jones

“He has gone and taken them out for dinner, shown them all around. They said ... it’s been wonderful for them,” Jones said.

It comes as offers of support flooded in for those stranded following the publication of yesterday’s story.

The Doha resident took the trio to the Souq Wharf marketplace and bought them dinner, Jones said.

“It made them feel like they were actually on holiday rather than being stuck in the situation they’re in. So it’s done wonders for them.”

They went to a “magnificent” restaurant, were shown falcons for sale in the market and saw camels and horses owned by the Emir of Qatar.

Jones said it was “wonderful” to have received the offers of support for her relatives.

“We are a lovely nation.”

Jones’ mother said it “didn’t feel like there was a war on at all” in the city.

The trio had received communication that there would be an update on Friday, which they are hoping will be the airspace being opened.

This morning, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand was getting ready to send two Defence Force planes and consular staff to the Middle East to help evacuate civilians “when conditions allow”.

Peters explained two C130s would take people on short flights to get as many people as possible to safety.

Yesterday, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson told Newstalk ZB the advice for New Zealanders in the region was to leave if it was safe to do so.

“New Zealanders who are in locations where airspace is closed or the security situation means it is unsafe to move, should shelter in place and follow the advice of the local authorities.”