Repatriation flight from Middle East is drawing unprecedented demand as conflict across the region disrupts travel and leaves hundreds of citizens stranded. Government officials report that more than 600 people have registered for a single flight that can carry only about 155 to 160 passengers, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated evacuation efforts.
Foreign ministry consular chief Jussi Tanner acknowledged the scale of the challenge, emphasizing that many citizens require immediate assistance to return home. “The situation is difficult. There are clearly citizens who need help,” Tanner said at a recent press briefing. Authorities are prioritising families with children and those in vulnerable situations, given the limited capacity.
The flight is scheduled to depart from Muscat, the capital of Oman. Passengers currently in the United Arab Emirates must travel by bus to Muscat to board. The total cost of the journey is estimated at around €2,400 per person, including €2,300 for the flight and approximately €100 for the bus ride. Tanner explained that the high cost reflects insurance and operational expenses associated with flying in a conflict zone. Under consular services law, passengers are required to cover the full cost of evacuation or repatriation flights themselves.
Officials report roughly 3,000 citizens are spread across the Middle East, with around 2,000 in the UAE alone. Some have managed to leave via commercial flights, but options remain limited as airlines continue to adjust schedules in response to military escalation. While a few carriers have resumed limited operations from Dubai, others have suspended flights entirely for several weeks.
Currently, the government has funding for only one repatriation flight. Any additional operations would require a separate political decision. Demand remains high, and authorities stress that conditions in the region are unpredictable. Tanner noted, “The threat picture in the Persian Gulf is similar to what it has been. It is possible that the situation improves, but it is also possible that it worsens.”
The European Union civil protection mechanism, which allows countries to recover some costs when seats are offered to citizens of other EU states, has not been activated for this flight. Officials say domestic demand already exceeds capacity. Meanwhile, a consular support team has been deployed to Abu Dhabi to assist citizens in the UAE, providing guidance on travel options and evacuation routes.
As tensions continue to affect commercial aviation and travel safety, the repatriation flight represents a critical lifeline for those stranded abroad. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while prioritising the most vulnerable passengers.
