The United Kingdom has begun evacuating stranded citizens from the Middle East, with the first chartered flight scheduled to depart on Wednesday as Iranian missile and drone strikes continue to disrupt commercial air travel across the Gulf.
The aircraft is set to leave Muscat International Airport at 23:00 local time (19:00 GMT), with priority given to the most vulnerable British nationals.
More than 130,000 UK citizens have sought assistance to exit the region since hostilities escalated on Saturday involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
British authorities are considering additional evacuation measures, describing the situation as the most severe travel disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans are also underway to reinforce security in Cyprus.
The Royal Navy will deploy the destroyer HMS Dragon to the Mediterranean to enhance protection at the UK’s military base in Akrotiri, following reports that an Iranian drone struck the facility. Treasury minister James Murray declined to confirm when the vessel would depart from Portsmouth.
UK Prioritises Vulnerable Citizens
The Foreign Office said seats on the initial repatriation flight from Oman would be offered to selected British nationals, including their spouses or partners and children under 18.
UK citizens who travelled from places such as Dubai in the UAE to Oman ahead of the evacuation must register online to secure a seat. However, the single aircraft scheduled for Wednesday will not be able to accommodate all those seeking to leave.
“We will continue working with airlines to identify additional routes to help people return home,” the Foreign Office stated.
Meanwhile, Britain has advised against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Over 130,000 Britons Request Assistance
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told lawmakers on Tuesday that safeguarding British nationals remains a “top priority,” noting that Oman would likely serve as the departure point for the first evacuation flight.
British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, and the UAE have already registered with authorities.
Despite widespread disruption, some flights from Dubai to the UK are still operating. British Airways confirmed it will operate a commercial service from Muscat to Heathrow Airport, departing at 02:30 local time on Thursday (22:30 GMT Wednesday).