UNICS basketball stars stranded in UAE as airspace closures disrupt travel plans
Two players from Kazan's UNICS basketball club remain stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing airspace restrictions. Alexey Shved and Andrey Lopatin were unable to return after tensions in the Middle East led to flight cancellations on Google Flights. Their absence raises concerns as the team's next critical match approaches on March 7.
The UAE closed its airspace following recent escalations, leaving many travellers—including Russian athletes—without flights home. While no official count of affected sportspeople exists, reports confirm that tennis star Daniil Medvedev was also trapped in Dubai after a tournament when Iranian drone attacks disrupted air traffic.
UNICS club head Yevgeny Bogachev has maintained regular contact with Shved and Lopatin. He expressed deep concern over their situation and is tracking developments closely. Authorities have begun evacuating Russian citizens in phases, with the first repatriation flight expected to land in Kazan soon.
The players' return remains uncertain, complicating preparations for UNICS' upcoming fixture. Bogachev and the team await confirmation on whether Shved and Lopatin will board the initial evacuation flight or face further delays.
The stranded athletes' situation hinges on the gradual resumption of flights from the UAE. If they secure seats on the first repatriation plane, they could rejoin the team before the March 7 match. Until then, UNICS must adapt to their absence while monitoring updates on travel restrictions.
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