The UK government will start evacuating British citizens from the Middle East this evening. The initial government-chartered flight will be available on Wednesday evening for British nationals seeking to depart Oman due to regional conflicts.
The disruption in travel has reached significant levels, likened to the impact of the 2010 Icelandic ash cloud crisis. Over 9,400 Middle East flights have been canceled since the conflict began, with the United Arab Emirates experiencing the highest number of flight cancellations, including 1,056 on a single Sunday.
Despite the challenging situation, there is a slight improvement in travel operations. About 70% of UK flights to and from the Middle East are expected to operate today, showing an increase from the previous day’s 58%.
The majority of flights to Turkey and Egypt are still operational, but flights to the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait are likely to face cancellations today. Cirium projects that 1,506 out of 5,563 Middle East flights will be canceled by 7 am today.
The Foreign Office has announced an evacuation flight departing from Muscat, Oman, at 7 pm, available for British nationals, their partners, and children under 18 with valid travel documents. Priority will be given to the most vulnerable individuals, and British nationals in Oman will be contacted accordingly. Some commercial flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi have already returned to the UK.
Individuals who previously registered in the UAE and are now in Oman are advised to secure a place on a flight. Officials urge people not to go to Muscat International Airport unless instructed and remind dependents without British nationality to have the necessary visa or permission for an extended stay.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the safety of British citizens as a top priority, mentioning Oman as the likely departure point for repatriation flights. Over 130,000 Britons are registered in the Middle East, and the Foreign Office is collaborating with airlines to establish additional routes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deployment of HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer, to protect Cyprus following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri. The warship, equipped with “drone-busting” Martlet missiles, will safeguard British bases in Cyprus.
In response to the escalating situation in the Middle East, the Foreign Office updated travel guidance for Thailand, warning of potential disruptions to travel plans and advising affected British nationals to stay informed through their airlines or tour operators and review their travel insurance policies before departure.
