Omagh's award-winning cake designer stranded in Manila amid UAE airspace crisis

AN award-winning Omagh businesswoman has spoken of her shock after being stranded in the Philippines amid escalating conflict in the Middle East - admitting she is 'thankful' she never made it as far as Dubai.

Emma Stewart, founder of Emma Stewart Cake Design, had been preparing to return home after judging at Cake Fiesta Manila, one of Asia’s major cake shows, when her Emirates flight was abruptly cancelled due to airspace closures over the UAE.

The 2026 The UK Wedding Industry Awards National Winner for Wedding Cake Designer of the Year was due to depart Manila at 5.40pm on Saturday.

Instead, she found herself caught in global fallout from escalating conflict.

“It’s not really a laughing matter. We are stuck in Manila in the Philippines,” she said. “We are glad we didn’t get stuck in Dubai. All flights got cancelled when we were boarding the plane.”

Passengers had already begun boarding when they were informed of delays due to the sudden closure of UAE airspace. Within hours, the flight was cancelled entirely.

“We googled and found out immediately about the conflict escalating,” Emma explained. “A couple of hours later they cancelled the flight.”

Emma says airline staff told passengers no hotels or food vouchers would be provided because the disruption was classed as an “act of war”.

“They told us to contact Emirates about rescheduling flights or getting a refund,” she said.

However, as her travel had been arranged by the Manila event organisers via an agent, attempts to secure alternative routes proved unsuccessful.

Her travel insurance, like many policies, excludes cover for acts of war.

“We have tried looking for sooner flights but the only ones we found were over £4,000 per person for economy.”

After multiple failed attempts to book seats - with availability disappearing within minutes - flights were finally secured for March 11, almost two weeks after the original departure date.

“In just over an hour, availability went from Saturday flights to the first available being Wednesday,” she said. “Three times the payment process failed because the seats were gone before we could complete it.”

Emma also described her disappointment after contacting the British Embassy for advice.

“We spoke to the British Embassy on Monday morning. They were not helpful and not concerned about us. They just said to contact the travel agent. There was no advice on the safest route home, no discussion about airlines to try, and no checking if we were financially able to manage or had safe accommodation.”

She is travelling with a fellow judge who is attempting to return to Leeds.

“It has felt like those directly affected by the situation who are not in the Middle East have been forgotten about.”

Despite the ordeal, Emma is clear about one thing - perspective.

“Obviously we are safe and grateful our flight hadn’t already left for Dubai. And we feel for those in the regions directly affected.”

The Omagh entrepreneur had been invited to Manila as a judge thanks to her rising international reputation - cemented earlier this year when she lifted the national title at the UK Wedding Industry Awards, placing both Omagh and Northern Ireland firmly on the global wedding map.

Instead of celebrating her continued success, she now faces an extended and costly stay thousands of miles from home.

For now, she and her colleague have secured hotel accommodation while they wait - watching events unfold from afar and hoping their long journey home remains straightforward.

“It’s been stressful,” she admitted. “But we’re thankful we’re safe.”