UK sends Oman charter flight to help 130,000 Britons stuck in Middle East

The United Kingdom has begun evacuating British nationals stranded across the Middle East following escalating regional conflict that has led to widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations.

On Tuesday March 3, the first flight carrying British passengers departed from Dubai, marking the start of limited outbound travel from the region. The departure followed several days of suspended services after hostilities disrupted aviation across Gulf states. The flight, operated by a commercial airline, was scheduled to land in the UK later the same day, bringing relief to those who had been stranded.

Officials described the departure as a “first step” in restoring safe passage for British nationals while acknowledging that significant logistical challenges remain.

Thousands Stranded After Airspace Closures

The disruption was triggered by a rapid escalation in regional tensions, which resulted in the closure of airspace over multiple countries, including Iran, Iraq and parts of the Gulf. Airlines were forced to ground or divert flights, leaving tens of thousands of travellers unable to leave.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has said that approximately 130,000 British nationals are currently registered as being in the Middle East, a figure that includes residents, tourists and business travellers. Many of those affected have been unable to secure seats on the limited number of flights operating, prompting the government to explore additional evacuation options.

The situation has also caused major disruption to international cargo and passenger travel, with global carriers rerouting flights and issuing warnings about further delays.

UK to Run Chartered Evacuation Flight from Oman

The UK government has confirmed that it will operate a chartered evacuation flight from Muscat, Oman, expected to depart in the coming days.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Members of Parliament that the government was working closely with airlines and regional authorities to increase capacity and provide routes out of the region for British nationals who remain stranded. She emphasised that the charter flight would prioritise vulnerable people, including families with young children, elderly travellers and those with medical needs.

Cooper described the situation as “fast-moving” and assured MPs that the government was making “every effort to get people home safely,” while highlighting the complexities posed by airspace restrictions, flight permissions and security requirements.

Oman Becomes Key Exit Route

Oman has emerged as a crucial departure point because its airspace has remained open while neighbouring countries imposed restrictions. Some British nationals have travelled overland from the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states to Muscat International Airport to access flights that are still operating.

Government sources have confirmed that additional departures from Oman are being coordinated with local authorities to ensure safe and orderly boarding, with particular attention given to families and those with urgent travel needs.

Limited Flights Resume from UAE

While most flights remain suspended, a small number of services have begun operating again from airports in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai.

The flight that departed on March 3 represented a limited reopening rather than a full resumption of normal services, with airlines warning that schedules remain subject to change at short notice. Passengers arriving in the UK described uncertainty and long waits as airlines worked to obtain clearance to fly through restricted airspace.

Airline representatives have urged stranded travellers to wait for official confirmation before travelling to airport terminals, citing ongoing security and operational considerations.

International Evacuations Under Way

The UK is not the only country organising evacuations. Several European governments have also arranged charter flights from Oman and other locations to repatriate their citizens.

Italy confirmed earlier this week that a chartered flight carrying Italian nationals departed from Muscat, while other countries including Germany and France are coordinating similar operations. Officials have said international cooperation with Gulf states has been essential in facilitating these departures and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Government Urges Registration and Caution

The FCDO has urged British nationals still in the Middle East to register their presence, monitor official travel advice, and avoid travelling to airports unless they have confirmed flight details.

Consular teams have been reinforced to handle a surge in calls and requests for assistance, with the government warning that evacuation efforts may take several days to scale up sufficiently to meet demand due to security, logistical, and diplomatic challenges.

The broader travel disruption has affected thousands of flights across the Middle East, displacing millions of passengers and prompting emergency responses from several Western governments. The temporary closure of airspace has also delayed cargo shipments, disrupted business operations, and increased pressure on neighbouring countries to accommodate stranded travellers.

Officials from the UK and other governments have acknowledged the scale of the challenge and stressed that evacuation efforts will continue until all British nationals have been safely returned home.

Next Steps for Evacuations

No full schedule for further charter flights from Muscat has yet been published, but officials have indicated that additional departures will be announced once logistical arrangements and seating allocations are finalised.

The UK government has reiterated that safety and security remain the highest priority, and travellers should continue to follow official guidance and register with local consular offices.

As Britain prepares to assist its citizens out of a volatile region, the unfolding situation continues to draw international attention, with foreign ministries around the world advising their nationals to prioritise safety and monitor official travel guidance.