Several European countries are accelerating the evacuation of citizens stranded in the Middle East amid the escalating conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran, leading to the closure of numerous airspaces.
The United Kingdom is increasing charter flights to assist vulnerable individuals.
The UK government is coordinating with various airlines to add evacuation flights. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed on the X platform that some commercial flights have resumed from the United Arab Emirates. The government is working with local authorities and airlines to arrange charter flights from Oman, prioritizing those who are most vulnerable.
France prepares first two flights to evacuate citizens.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France is preparing to begin evacuating its citizens from the region, with two initial flights scheduled for Tuesday evening. Approximately 400,000 French nationals reside in the Middle East.
Italy arranges special flights from Oman and Abu Dhabi.
Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it has arranged two special commercial flights from Oman to Rome, accommodating about 300 passengers. Additionally, there is a planned flight from Abu Dhabi carrying around 200 passengers, including students from the World Students’ Connection program in Dubai, and another flight from Muscat scheduled for Wednesday.
The Czech Republic deploys military aircraft to repatriate citizens.
Meanwhile, the first Czech government evacuation plane landed in Prague on Tuesday, according to AP News. The military Airbus flew in from Jordan, with a capacity for about 40 passengers, and two more flights are expected on the same day.
One passenger, Zdeněk Viktorin, traveling with his family, expressed surprise that war erupted while they were still in the region. He found it confusing that politicians one day claimed negotiations were progressing well, yet the next day conflict began. He said it was difficult to comprehend.
Source:CNN
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