US-Iran conflict: M’sians stranded in Oman after flight diversion share concerns on getting home, hope for de-escalation

KUCHING (March 2): Dozens of Malaysian passengers, including a Sarawakian, are stranded in Oman after their Qatar Airways flight from Kuala Lumpur to Doha was unexpectedly rerouted due to ongoing regional tensions following the US-Iran conflict.

Syeliza Basri, Head of Strategic Communications at SMD Semiconductor, was among the passengers on flight QR845, scheduled to transit Doha on Feb 28 en route to Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, which takes place from March 2 to 5.

When contacted by The Borneo Post, she said passengers were informed of the diversion approximately two hours before landing in Doha.

“The captain announced that we would be diverted to Muscat due to the temporary closure of Doha airport.

“They did not mention the conflict at that time, likely to avoid causing panic among passengers,” she said.

Passengers, including around 90 Malaysians, are currently being accommodated at JW Marriott Muscat and Radisson hotels.

“The situation on the ground appears calm and under control at the moment, but anxiety has increased among passengers following reports that an oil tanker and a port in Oman were attacked yesterday (March 1).

“Many are actively trying to secure alternative flights home,” said Syeliza.

The Malaysian Embassy has visited stranded passengers and is assisting where possible.

“The Embassy has advised us to remain patient and await further updates. Travel is only possible if flights are operating and transit routes remain open,” she added.

Syeliza was traveling with the Sarawak delegation to participate in MWC 2026 under the Sarawak Pavilion.

SMD Semiconductor’s participation is part of the state’s Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 initiative, aimed at creating high-skilled jobs, attracting investments, and generating opportunities for Sarawakians.

Her team has already reached Barcelona and traveled to Dresden, Germany, to collect silicon wafers from X-Fab.

Syeliza was scheduled to join them later but was delayed by the rerouted flight. She said her main concern is the possibility of regional conflict escalation and prolonged airspace closures, which could delay their return home.

“Above all, we hope the situation remains calm and that we can return home safely once flights resume and routes reopen,” she said.

The stranded passengers are awaiting further updates from the airline and authorities.

On Feb 28, a joint military strike by the United States and Israel on Iran triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East, setting off waves of missile exchanges, mounting casualties, and far-reaching political and security repercussions.

Thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled in the biggest disruption to global air transport since the Covid pandemic as airlines suspend services to the Middle East following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.