Former Love Island contestant Ella Barnes has revealed she was evacuated from Dubai International Airport after missile activity in the region led to flight disruptions and heightened security measures.
The 25-year-old influencer, who appeared on the 2023 series of Love Island, shared updates with her followers on Instagram, explaining that her flight home had been cancelled following the escalation.
Barnes posted an image appearing to show a largely empty airport terminal, writing that she had been evacuated from Dubai airport and would be staying longer than planned.
In subsequent posts, she shared video clips of what she described as missiles visible in the sky, accompanied by loud explosions in the distance.
“This is so scary,” she wrote in one caption, referencing the sound heard at the end of the clip. Later, Barnes reassured followers by posting a short video of herself travelling along a quiet highway, confirming: “We are out of here.
Thanks for all the messages.”
The reported evacuation comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following missile exchanges involving Iran.
On Saturday, dark smoke was seen rising over parts of Dubai after debris from missile interceptions fell across areas of the city, according to multiple reports.
Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, is widely regarded as one of the region’s most popular travel destinations, attracting millions of tourists annually.
The city is particularly popular with British influencers, reality TV personalities and entrepreneurs who have either relocated permanently or frequently visit.
Although authorities in the UAE have not released detailed public information regarding specific evacuations at the airport, flight cancellations and temporary disruptions have been reported as a precautionary measure during periods of regional instability.
Barnes is not the only British reality personality to speak out about the tense situation.
Sam Gowland, known for appearing on Geordie Shore, posted messages describing a “rocket” flying over his home in Dubai, calling the experience “bloody scary.”
Meanwhile, fellow Love Island alum Arabella Chi, who relocated to Dubai with her partner and young daughter in 2025, also shared a brief message urging friends to stay safe during what she described as “scary times.”
Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and other high-profile areas are home to a growing number of UK celebrities and influencers, many of whom have chosen to base their families and businesses in the emirate in recent years.
Ella Barnes first entered the Love Island villa in 2023 as a late “bombshell” contestant.
During her time on the show, she formed a connection with Mitchell Taylor, creating tension within the villa before the pair later split after leaving the programme.
Since then, Barnes has expanded her media presence, including a stint on The Only Way Is Essex, where she appeared as a love interest of Roman Hackett.
She later confirmed a relationship with entrepreneur Neil Farrugia, though the pair separated after reportedly struggling to balance busy schedules across different countries.
Barnes is currently based in Kent in the United Kingdom but frequently travels abroad for work and leisure.
The situation in the Middle East remains fluid, with international airlines closely monitoring developments and adjusting routes where necessary.
Government travel advisories typically recommend that travellers check directly with airlines and official foreign office guidance during periods of instability.
While Barnes’ social media posts reflect personal concern during the incident, she has since indicated that she is safe and continuing her journey.
As regional tensions continue to develop, airlines and authorities are expected to prioritise passenger safety and operational reviews.
For now, Barnes’ experience highlights how rapidly geopolitical events can impact civilian travel plans — even in destinations known for their stability and tourism appeal.