Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has disclosed that 130,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the Middle East amidst escalating regional tensions. The conflict between Iran and the United States and its allies has triggered widespread airspace closures across the region, leading to significant disruption to commercial flights and leaving thousands of travellers stranded.
Government Response to the Crisis
Addressing the House of Commons, Cooper described the situation as "a very fast-moving" one with "unprecedented numbers of British nationals in the region." She emphasized the critical importance of the Register Your Presence Programme, which has now seen 130,000 sign-ups. This registration system is vital for the Foreign Office to track locations and provide timely updates and safety advice to citizens abroad.
Charter Flight from Muscat
The Foreign Secretary announced that a Government charter flight will depart from Muscat, the capital of Oman, "in the coming days." This flight will prioritize vulnerable British nationals, though those in Oman must await direct contact from the Foreign Office regarding available options. Cooper stressed that officials are working around the clock to support citizens in the area.
She highlighted ongoing coordination with regional counterparts, including recent discussions with the United Arab Emirates, which has been providing "excellent support" in facilitating some departures as conditions allow. Additionally, efforts are underway to increase flight capacity out of Muscat in collaboration with commercial airlines.
Airspace Closures and Flight Operations
The airspace closures have resulted in the cancellation of the vast majority of commercial flights, though a limited number are still operating to repatriate stranded Britons. Unlike airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, the Foreign Office has not issued travel advisories against using Muscat International Airport, which remains accessible by road from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi—journeys of approximately 300 miles.
Current Flight Schedules
Oman Air continues to operate two daily return flights between Muscat and London Heathrow. On Tuesday, Emirates is running two flights to Heathrow and one each to Gatwick and Manchester from Dubai, with some utilising A380 jets capable of carrying up to 615 passengers. This represents a sharp reduction from the airline's usual schedule of 146 weekly flights to the UK, equivalent to about 21 per day.
Etihad Airways has scheduled one flight from Abu Dhabi to Heathrow using a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner with 336 seats. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the UK due to the closure of Qatari airspace, underscoring the widespread impact of the regional conflict on aviation.
The Foreign Office continues to monitor developments closely, urging British nationals in the Middle East to register their presence and follow official guidance as the situation evolves.
