The UK government has announced plans to charter a flight from Oman to evacuate British nationals from the Gulf region, prioritising the most vulnerable individuals amid ongoing retaliatory strikes by Iran. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the move, citing the closure of airspace and a fast-moving security situation as key factors driving the emergency response.
Evacuation Efforts and Regional Coordination
Speaking in the Commons, Cooper stated that the charter flight will depart from Muscat in the coming days, with the government working to increase capacity for departures from Oman. She emphasised that the situation remains highly volatile due to Iran's strikes, which are retaliation for US-Israeli attacks. Approximately 130,000 British nationals have registered their presence with the Foreign Office, enabling them to receive real-time updates as events unfold.
Support from Local Governments and Airlines
Cooper highlighted that many stranded British nationals in countries like the UAE are receiving assistance from local governments. She noted close contact with regional counterparts, including discussions with the UAE on securing departures as conditions permit. The government is collaborating with commercial airlines to boost capacity out of Muscat, though Britons in Oman must await direct contact from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for evacuation details.
No 10 reported that the FCDO has fielded 2,700 calls from British nationals, half from the UAE, with registrations also from Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, and the UAE. Downing Street added that contingency plans are being developed, and the government remains in touch with airlines to facilitate returns.
Airspace Closures and Impact on Travel
Large areas of airspace over the region remain closed, severely disrupting travel. However, some limited flights have resumed, such as an Etihad Airways flight that arrived at Heathrow Airport on Monday afternoon, carrying stranded British nationals. Major international airports, including Dubai's, have been targeted in Iran's strikes, affecting airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, which typically handle around 90,000 passengers daily through these hubs.
Qatari airspace is still closed, with no flights operating at Doha airport. The UAE government disclosed that its air defences have intercepted 186 missiles launched toward the country since the start of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Overnight, Israeli and US warplanes conducted fresh strikes across Iran, resulting in 787 fatalities according to the Red Crescent.
Unprecedented Challenges and Ongoing Updates
Cooper described the crisis as unprecedented due to the high number of British nationals in the region. She committed to providing continuous updates to members of Parliament and affected citizens as the situation evolves. The evacuation efforts underscore the UK's focus on safeguarding its citizens amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
