British boy stuck in Abu Dhabi after sudden fear of flyingStock photo, Abu Dhabi: PA


An 11-year-old boy who has suddenly developed a fear of flying while in Abu Dhabi is facing a month-long trip home costing thousands of pounds.

Joe Thompson will travel back by coach, train and boat after being struck by acrophobia.

Four attempts to get him on a plane home have been thwarted after he suffered crippling panic attacks.

A hypnotherapist was even flown over from the UK in a bid to tackle the problem, as well as using sedatives, to no avail.

His parents, Tony and Pauline Thompson, now want to save him any further trauma by getting him home through other means.

Joe has previously been on a number of international plane journeys, so his sudden fear of flying has stumped his family.

Dad Tony will be taking advice from the British Embassy with regards to the route home, and will be advised on how to avoid trouble spots Iran and Syria.

Tony told The Sun: "There seems no rational explanation for Joe's fears. But I can't put him through further misery."

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