London sends Typhoon fighter jets and begins evacuation of more than 140,000 Britons amid the conflict in Iran
Sir Keir stated that the conflict in Iran "could continue for some time," and added that the UK is doing everything possible to protect British lives and uphold British values.
Providing an update on efforts to repatriate citizens stranded in the Middle East, the Prime Minister confirmed that the first government repatriation flight to Britain took off from Oman this afternoon after a prolonged delay.
He described the evacuation effort from countries in the war zone as "bigger than Afghanistan."
The first government charter flight had originally been scheduled to depart Oman last night but did not take off due to "operational reasons."
More than 4,000 British people have now returned to the country on commercial flights from the UAE, including vulnerable Brits, Sir Keir reported.
An additional seven flights are scheduled to leave the UAE today, while rapid deployment teams are on the ground in Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Sir Keir mentioned that 140,000 British nationals have informed the UK Government of their presence in the Middle East. He said it would be a “huge undertaking” to bring them all back safely and it “would not happen overnight.”
He also confirmed that the UK is sending four additional Typhoon fighter jets to join Britain’s squadron in Qatar, along with Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone capabilities, which are scheduled to arrive in Cyprus tomorrow.
"We will maintain this shield over British people in the region and our allies,” he declared.
What is the UK doing to protect British nationals and interests in the Middle East?
— Ministry of Defence ???????? (@DefenceHQ) March 5, 2026
Hear directly from the Minister for the Armed Forces, @AlistairCarns ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/5THOZtb3RV
Defending his decision not to join the initial US-Israeli strikes, Sir Keir said: “My focus is on providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest” and “maintaining the strength to stand firm by our values and our principles no matter the pressure to do otherwise.”
The Government’s delayed first charter plane to evacuate British nationals from the Middle East finally departed today, the PM confirmed.
Sir Keir stated at 2:11 p.m. on Thursday that the flight – scheduled to leave Muscat, the capital of Oman, at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday – departed “a few minutes ago.”
British Airways announced it will operate a fourth daily flight from Muscat to London Heathrow – a route it does not usually serve – departing at 10:30 p.m. GMT on Saturday.
More than 140,000 Britons have registered their presence in the Middle East with the Foreign Office.
Flights from the region have been disrupted by the conflict between Iran and the US and its allies.
Muscat has become a key location for people wanting to leave the Middle East.
The Foreign Office does not advise against travel to the area where the capital’s airport is located, unlike the current advice for airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
Muscat can be reached by road from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi with journeys of about 300 miles.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer, whose portfolio includes the Middle East, told the Commons: “Following close engagement with Government, British Airways has arranged new flights to Muscat, which we anticipate will fly every day.
“We are grateful to British Airways for their efforts.
“We are also providing UK-supported charter flights out of Muscat.
“The first of these was delayed yesterday evening due to technical issues at the airport but is scheduled to depart imminently, with further flights planned in the coming days.
“British nationals in Oman will be notified about these as they become available.”
A total of more than 2,000 people arrived in the UK on eight flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, with more than 4,000 arriving from five countries in the region.
An additional 10 flights from the UAE to the UK are expected on Thursday.
Mr. Falconer added: “I must be clear, we’re tackling a consular challenge on a scale not seen since Covid.
“There are no instant solutions for relocating such numbers of people, especially given the airspace restrictions in place, but I am determined to ensure that people get home as safely and as swiftly as possible.”
Deputy Editor
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
