Golfer Tommy Fleetwood has expressed his "relief" after his family were able to return to England from Dubai amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Fleetwood’s wife and children were among thousands of Britons who became stranded in the region, with widespread airspace closures, restrictions and cancelled flights.
The UK Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to the UAE as Dubai is targeted by drones fired from Iran in response to US and Israeli attacks, with hotels and other landmarks damaged by debris from the intercepted missiles.
Fleetwood, his wife Clare, his son and two stepsons moved to the United Arab Emirates, where the golfer has an academy in 2022.
Speaking after his opening round 69 at the Players Championship, he confirmed his family has been able to leave their Dubai home, landing back in the UK on Wednesday evening.
The world number three said: "It is difficult not being able to travel. That has obviously been difficult. But when you know they're fine, that's kind of a relief.
Fleetwood added: "I think Clare is very relieved now. She feels good and everything. It’s just not a great time for so many people in the country. It’s just unsettling for everyone, really. It’s easy for me to say it’s been on my mind but at the same time I’m not the one who was there."
The Ryder Cup star said that, after they had one flight cancelled, his family had been “lucky timing wise,” with further disruption occurring at the airport shortly after their plane was in the air.
He said: "All I can say is that my family felt very safe and think the nation and the leaders have done an amazing job of making everybody feel safe and well and protected.
"I know my family have been safe and that's the important thing. But you would wish for different circumstances."
Fleetwood’s family are expected to join him before an upcoming PGA Tour event in Texas, and for the build-up to the Masters in a few weeks’ time.
