Swine flu outbreak in Korea leaves S African choir stranded at Dubai airport

Dubai: A South African choir was left stranded at Dubai International Airport this week, because of swine flu.

The group had been heading to South Korea to take part in the International Choir Championships in South Korea, but were informed that the event had been cancelled because of swine flu.

The choir were not able to leave the airport. The choir were unable to leave the airport as they did not hold entry visas into Dubai and all flights back to South Africa were fully booked.

"As we arrived in Dubai we were informed by the Korean government that no tourists are allowed to enter the country because there is a severe outbreak of swine flu. That is why we are stranded at the moment at Dubai Airport. We've been awake for about 36 hours and it is difficult to sleep here because there are no beds," explained choir conductor Andre Van der Merwe.