Only Six Passengers on First Etihad Flight from Pakistan, Myco Founder Reflects on “Risky” UAE Return

DUBAI: Umair Masoom Usmani, founder of Myco and co-founder of BuyPass, has shared an emotional reflection on LinkedIn after boarding a nearly empty flight to Abu Dhabi amid ongoing regional tensions.

In his post, Usmani said there were “only six passengers including me onboard the entire flight heading to Abu Dhabi,” contrasting it with waiting lists for limited outbound flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“Am I stressed and scared is what I was asked at the airport? I am actually relieved,” he wrote, adding that he had spent the last three days feeling anxious about being away from family and friends during uncertain times.

Usmani compared the moment to his first career move to the United Arab Emirates eight years ago, recalling the fear and uncertainty he felt while flying to Dubai at the start of his professional journey.

“Funny enough I was way more scared 8 years ago when I made my first career move to UAE,” he wrote. “I was anxious, uncertain at that time on whether I would be able to build a career, get recognized, make a name for myself or feel at home.”

He said that despite the current geopolitical uncertainty, returning felt like the right decision. “Today, I feel certain that I am making the right choice going back,” he wrote, adding that being with family and in his city provided a sense of stability.

The entrepreneur described home as a place defined not by physical security but by emotional bonds. “Home is safe because it is made with love. Love can rebuild and repair any damages, love brings out resilience, and love is what brings peace,” he wrote.

Regional air travel has been disrupted in recent days due to heightened security concerns and military escalations in parts of the Gulf, leading to cancellations, rerouted flights and fluctuating passenger demand. Airlines have issued advisories as airspace restrictions continue to evolve.

In his concluding remarks, Usmani expressed confidence in the country’s resilience. “I know UAE will bounce back. I know Dubai will bounce back. Will you be amongst the ones rebuilding is the question?” he wrote, ending his post with “Inshallah Kher.”

The post has drawn engagement from professionals across the region, with many echoing sentiments of uncertainty, attachment to home and confidence in the UAE’s ability to recover from instability.