Irish Citizens Evacuated from Middle East Amidst Escalating Conflict

Preparations are underway to bring home Irish citizens stranded in the Middle East following widespread flight cancellations due to heightened regional tensions. The Irish government has chartered a flight from Oman to facilitate the return of approximately 280 citizens, prioritizing those most vulnerable and requiring urgent assistance. This comes as airlines resume limited services, with one Emirates flight scheduled to depart Dubai for Dublin.

Government-Chartered Flight from Oman

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the chartered flight will depart from Oman in the coming days. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee stated that efforts are focused on identifying those most in need of assistance to secure seats on the initial flight [Source: RTÉ]. She indicated that further flights are anticipated as the situation evolves.

Emirates Flight to Dublin and Ongoing Assistance

A positive development, according to Minister McEntee, is the resumption of an Emirates flight from Dubai to Dublin, which will carry passengers whose weekend flights were cancelled [Source: RTÉ]. The Department of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with the airline to ensure passengers are notified.

Scale of the Crisis and Citizen Registration

Approximately 25,000 Irish citizens in the region have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs, with around 2,000 expressing a desire to leave [Source: RTÉ]. The government is actively monitoring the situation and preparing for a potentially large-scale evacuation operation.

Bus Transfers to Oman Considered

Irish authorities are considering arranging bus transfers for citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Oman, where airspace remains less restricted, to connect with the government-chartered flights [Source: Irish Times]. This contingency plan is in response to potential disruptions to flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

International Evacuation Efforts

Thousands of British nationals are also being repatriated, with airlines increasing flights from the region. Emirates is operating seven flights from Dubai to the UK, while Etihad has two departures from Abu Dhabi. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are also contributing to the evacuation efforts, with British Airways operating a flight from Muscat, Oman [Source: Irish Mirror].

Advice to Irish Citizens

Minister McEntee reiterated advice to Irish citizens remaining in the region to seek shelter and, if possible, utilize available flights to depart [Source: RTÉ].

Useful Contacts

• Citizens Registration: citizensregistration.dfa.ie
• DFAT Crisis Team phone number: 01-4082000
• Travel advice: Available here