Dubai Flight Experience: Amid travel disruptions, this woman finds herself the only passenger on Dubai flight, calls it a ‘private jet’ experience |

Amidst ongoing disruptions to air travel in the Middle East, one passenger experienced a remarkably empty flight from Riga to Dubai, finding herself as the sole traveler on board. The unusual journey, which took place on March 8, quickly went viral after the passenger shared a video of the experience on social media.

A Flight With Just One Passenger

Marina Gilla, an English teacher based in Latvia, documented her journey on Instagram, showcasing the almost surreal sight of an entirely empty aircraft. Row after row of seats were vacant, with only Gilla occupying a window seat.

Gilla described the flight as an unexpected “VIP flight,” jokingly comparing the commercial flight to a private jet. She appeared to be enjoying the rare experience, casually dressed in a green hoodie and sunglasses, and was seen sipping a cold drink while filming the quiet cabin.

Turning a Commercial Flight Into a “VIP Experience”

Flight attendants reportedly provided Gilla with extra attention during the journey, offering additional snacks and frequent check-ins. She playfully captioned the video, “When you are the only passenger on the plane to Dubai on the 8th of March, 2026!” and used hashtags including ‘private jet,’ ‘travelling,’ and ‘VIP passenger.’

Social media users reacted with amusement and envy, with some suggesting she rename the video “Got a private jet to Dubai!” Others joked about the perks of having the entire plane to herself, including exclusive access to the bathroom and unlimited food.

Some commenters questioned the logistics of the flight, wondering why the airline didn’t upgrade her to business class. Others speculated that the return leg of the flight may have been busier, suggesting the airline anticipated more passengers on that route.

A Rare Moment

Instances like this, though rare, can occur when airlines operate repositioning flights or continue scheduled flights despite low passenger demand. For Gilla, the unusual situation transformed an ordinary journey into a memorable story and a viral moment online. It was a far more exclusive experience than the typical crowded cabin and competition for overhead space.