Orlando Couple Stranded in Middle East War

Sarita and Devesh Maharaj's dream vacation turned into a harrowing ordeal as they navigated conflict in Qatar.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and uncertainty of international travel during a time of conflict, with sweeping airbrushed gradients and towering forced perspectives of an airport terminal or hotel, conveying the emotional tension and challenges faced by the travelers.As an Orlando couple navigates the chaos of war during an international trip, their harrowing ordeal highlights the importance of preparation and awareness for travelers.Today in Orlando

An Orlando couple's vacation to Thailand and Singapore took a terrifying turn when they found themselves stranded in Doha, Qatar, as war broke out during their stopover. Sarita and Devesh Maharaj, traveling with their elderly parents, faced the challenge of keeping everyone safe while navigating the uncertainty of the conflict. They spent 10 days on high alert in their hotel, packing go-bags and barely sleeping, before finally securing a U.S.-arranged charter flight out of Doha to Athens.

Why it matters

The Maharaj's experience highlights the risks and challenges that travelers can face when conflict erupts unexpectedly during a trip. Their story underscores the importance of preparation and awareness when traveling internationally, especially to regions with geopolitical instability.

The details

For about 10 days, the Maharaj family stayed on high alert inside their hotel in Doha, packing go-bags with passports, medicine, food and water. Airstrikes near their hotel added to the tension, and sleep was scarce. The couple spent hours contacting airlines, the U.S. embassy, lawmakers, and anyone who might help. After 10 days, they secured a U.S.-arranged charter flight out of Doha to Athens, where they spent a couple of days before finally managing to book flights back to Orlando.

  • The Maharaj family's vacation began with a stopover in Doha, Qatar.
  • On April 9, 2026, the family received an alert to shelter in place for Americans in Qatar.
  • The family spent approximately 10 days stranded in their Doha hotel.
  • After 10 days, the family secured a U.S.-arranged charter flight out of Doha to Athens.
  • The family returned to Orlando after spending a couple of days in Athens.

The players

Sarita Maharaj

An Orlando resident who was traveling with her husband and elderly parents when they became stranded in Doha, Qatar, during a Middle East conflict.

Devesh Maharaj

Sarita's husband, who was also traveling with his elderly parents when they became stranded in Doha, Qatar, during a Middle East conflict.

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What they’re saying

“So we got an alert saying, you know, shelter in place for Americans in Qatar.”

— Sarita Maharaj

“Both of our parents are elderly. They have mobility issues, different health issues, and we had to make sure we were able to assist them.”

— Devesh Maharaj

“You just always want to be wearing sneakers, being prepared to go, ready to jump off your bed and just be able to run if needed.”

— Sarita Maharaj

“Yeah, we barely slept. I would say we slept-- everyone pretty much slept one to two hours per night.”

— Sarita Maharaj

“So we flew out of the main airport, but it was completely shut down. Once we got to the airport, the roads were blockaded.”

— Sarita Maharaj

What’s next

The Maharaj family is now focused on returning to their normal routines and recovering from the ordeal. They emphasized the importance of preparation for international travel, including signing up for the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and keeping essential items like passports and medications nearby.

The takeaway

The Maharaj's harrowing experience in Qatar underscores the need for travelers to be prepared for unexpected conflicts and unrest, especially when visiting regions with geopolitical instability. Their story serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder to research travel risks, enroll in government programs, and have a plan in place for emergencies.