UK launches emergency evacuation flight from Oman as Middle East conflict escalates
A commercial flight chartered by the UK Government will depart Muscat at 7pm on Wednesday for British nationals wishing to leave Oman following attacks in the region, the Foreign Office announced.
British nationals, their partners, and children under 18 are eligible for the flight, provided they have a valid travel document.
The Foreign Office stated that priority will be given to the most vulnerable, and they will contact British nationals in Oman. Those who registered their presence in the United Arab Emirates and are now in Oman are requested to register for a place on a flight.
People were asked not to travel to Muscat International Airport in Oman unless contacted by officials.
Dependents who are not British nationals will need a valid visa or permission for entry or stay granted for more than three months.
The Foreign Office mentioned it was working with airlines on additional routes.
Yvette Cooper informed MPs on Tuesday that the "safety and security" of British nationals was a "top priority".
The Foreign Secretary indicated that Oman was likely to be the first location from which a government-arranged repatriation flight would depart.
Approximately 130,000 British nationals have enrolled in the Register Your Presence programme, according to Cooper, which is available in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Large areas of airspace remained closed across the Middle East amidst the escalating conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces.
Previously, the Prime Minister stated the situation on the ground “may remain challenging for some time” but that the Government was “looking at all options to support our people”.
In a post on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office announced on Monday afternoon that airlines Emirates and Flydubai would begin operating a limited number of flights, prioritizing customers with earlier bookings.
Some 15 Etihad Airways flights departed from Abu Dhabi in a three-hour timeframe on Monday, which Flightradar24 noted were “likely aiding in clearing transit passengers who have been stranded there since the onset of the conflict”.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline continued advising passengers not to travel to the airport unless directly contacted and advised to do so.
We have updated travel advice for Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt.
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) March 3, 2026
We encourage you to read the travel advice for the countries you are in: https://t.co/BrRWjI2A5n pic.twitter.com/hyTCRCBvap
The US president on Tuesday remarked that Sir Keir was "not Winston Churchill" in his latest criticism of the Prime Minister, who did not allow American planes to launch their initial strikes against Tehran from British bases.
The Prime Minister, meanwhile, announced that Britain would dispatch HMS Dragon, one of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 air defence destroyers, to defend Cyprus after RAF Akrotiri was hit by a drone.
The war between Iran and the USA, now in its fifth day, is expected to dominate the agenda when Sir Keir answers questions in the Commons at noon on Wednesday.
Mr. Trump expressed he is "not happy" with the UK after it initially did not permit the US to use its bases for strikes on Iran, later adding in the Oval Office: "This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with."
Downing Street maintained that the US remains a "staunch" ally despite Mr. Trump’s repeated criticisms.
Sir Keir decided on Sunday that UK bases, including the joint UK-US Diego Garcia site in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, could be used in the conflict, but only so the US can strike defensively to protect countries being targeted by Tehran.
HMS Dragon is being readied to leave for the Mediterranean and will be accompanied by two Wildcat helicopters equipped with so-called "drone busting" Martlet missiles, so it can protect Britain’s bases in Cyprus.
The warship, which features the Welsh red dragon on its prow, was photographed on Tuesday night at the Upper Harbour Ammunition Facility (UHAF) in Portsmouth harbour.
The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Thailand early on Wednesday "due to the escalation in the Middle East".
It stated: "Escalations in the Middle East have resulted in widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed, and cancelled flights.
"Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East."
Affected British nationals are urged to keep updated with the latest information from their airline or tour operator and review their travel insurance policies before traveling.
Elsewhere, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) reported that a vessel had been struck by a projectile off the coast of Fujairah in the UAE.
It stated early on Wednesday: "UKMTO has received a report of an incident 7NM east of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
"The Master reported the vessel being struck by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the steel plating. There has been no fire or water intake. All crew reported safe.
"Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO."
Deputy Editor
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