Sacramento Business Owner Stranded in South Africa Amid Global Airspace Closures

Raymond James Irwin, owner of Fizz Champagne Bar, was stuck in South Africa for nearly 5 days after his connecting flight to Dubai was canceled.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Tens of thousands of travelers have encountered flight delays and cancellations as several airspace closures were announced globally this weekend, stemming from U.S. and Israeli-led strikes on Iran. FOX40 spoke to Sacramento business owner Raymond James Irwin, who owns Fizz Champagne Bar, about being stranded in South Africa for almost five days after his layover Emirates flight to Dubai was cancelled.

Why it matters

The international airspace closures and flight disruptions have impacted business travelers like Irwin, causing significant delays and stranding people overseas. This highlights the broader challenges facing the global travel industry amid geopolitical tensions and security concerns.

The details

Irwin's flight was cancelled on Saturday shortly after missiles hit Dubai. He received an alert from Emirates that cited 'a disturbance' at the airport. As of Monday, Emirates was only operating select flights to and from Dubai, and the Dubai government told passengers to avoid going to the airport unless directly contacted by the airline.

  • Irwin's flight was cancelled on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
  • Irwin was stranded in South Africa for almost 5 days.

The players

Raymond James Irwin

The owner of Fizz Champagne Bar in Sacramento, California, who was stranded in South Africa for nearly 5 days after his connecting flight to Dubai was cancelled.

Emirates

The airline that cancelled Irwin's layover flight from South Africa to Dubai due to the airspace closures.

Dubai Government

The government that told passengers to avoid going to the Dubai airport unless directly contacted by the airline amid the flight disruptions.

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What they’re saying

“A disturbance was reported at the airport.”

— Emirates (FOX40)

What’s next

As the situation continues to evolve, travelers should closely monitor airline and airport updates, and be prepared for potential further delays or cancellations.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the significant impact that geopolitical tensions and security concerns can have on global travel, disrupting business operations and stranding travelers overseas. It underscores the need for businesses and individuals to have contingency plans in place for unexpected travel disruptions.