Domenico Marino traveled to the United Arab Emirates for work, expecting regional tensions, but not the possibility of being caught in it.
“I knew there was a risk, but I didn’t think there was a risk of the UAE getting hit on the day the military action started,” Marino said.
What You Need To Know
As fighting tied to Iran escalated, airspace restrictions spread through the Middle East, grounding departures and stranding travelers
Domenico Marino traveled to the United Arab Emirates for work and hasn’t been able to leave
He is staying near the airport, extending a hotel reservation day by day while trying to secure one of the limited seats back home to Europe
Marino’s father said he’s contacted elected leaders on all levels of government, hoping someone can help bring his son home
As fighting tied to Iran escalated, airspace restrictions spread throughout the Middle East, grounding departures and stranding travelers.
“The flight got canceled. The airspace was closed. There’s no real way to get out of this country,” Marino said.
Now, the Brooklyn native is staying near the airport, extending a hotel reservation day by day while trying to secure one of the limited seats back home to Europe.
Marino said the conflict suddenly came closer during a call with his father, Andrew.
“You can see little bits of smoke rising as the consulate got hit,” Marino said.
He added that a call to a U.S. government helpline brought little help.
“They said, ‘No, there’s no assistance being provided at this time. We are urging everyone to get out via commercial options or stay in place,’” Marino said.
On Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Andrew is awaiting answers.
“I have trouble myself being able to sleep,” he said.
Andrew said he’s contacted elected leaders on all levels of government, hoping someone can help bring his son home.
“It really scares me that things are really going to spiral out of control,” he said.
NY1 reached out to New York State for comment regarding Marino’s claims, but has not heard back.