UK charter flight from Oman set to depart “imminently” after delay as thousands of Britons remain stranded in Middle East crisis
Passengers board a plane at Muscat International Airport. The Foreign Office said the flight will depart Oman’s capital, Muscat, at 7pm on Wednesday. Image Credit: GETTY
The first UK government charter flight from Oman intended to evacuate stranded British nationals from the Middle East is expected to depart “imminently” after unexpected operational delays grounded the aircraft in Muscat.
British officials confirmed that the flight, originally scheduled to leave Muscat International Airport on Wednesday, was unable to depart due to logistical challenges in boarding passengers. Authorities now say the evacuation effort is moving forward as the UK government works to bring citizens home amid escalating regional tensions following recent military strikes involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The delay comes as thousands of Britons remain stranded across the Middle East, with many scrambling to secure seats on limited flights after widespread airspace restrictions disrupted commercial travel across the region.
UK Government Scrambles to Evacuate Britons Amid Middle East Crisis
Speaking in Parliament, Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer confirmed that the government charter flight would leave soon, stressing that officials are “determined to get people home as swiftly as possible.”
More than 130,000 British nationals in the Gulf region have registered with the UK government seeking updates or assistance.
Falconer described the situation as “a consular challenge on a scale not seen since Covid,” highlighting the unprecedented difficulty of coordinating evacuations while regional airspace remains partially closed.
The disruption began after US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory missile attacks across the Middle East, forcing several countries to restrict flights and close airspace.
Why the UK Charter Flight From Oman Was Delayed
Earlier in the day, Home Office minister Alex Norris explained that the aircraft was unable to depart due to operational challenges involving passenger boarding and logistics.
“It didn’t take off because there are operational reasons… about getting passengers on board,” Norris said during a media interview.
Despite the setback, the government says multiple evacuation options are being explored, including increasing commercial flights where possible.
Officials expect at least 10 commercial flights to leave the region on Thursday, offering alternative routes for stranded travellers.
Who Is Eligible for the UK Government Evacuation Flight?
The UK government confirmed that seats on the charter flight are not free. Eligible passengers must pay for their travel.
Priority is being given to:
- British nationals
- Spouses or partners of British nationals
- Children under 18 travelling with them
- Vulnerable individuals
However, the restrictions have created difficult situations for some travellers.
For example, Erasha Amarasinghe, a doctor from Northampton, was offered a seat but declined because her parents, who hold Sri Lankan passports despite living in the UK, were not eligible to board the evacuation flight.
“I feel stuck as I cannot leave my parents behind,” she said.
Stranded Travellers Search for Alternative Routes Home
While the charter flight remains limited, many passengers stranded in Oman have been searching for commercial flights via other countries.
Some travellers have managed to secure routes through cities like Rome, while others are taking relief flights operated by regional airlines.
One passenger, Poppy Cleary, was diverted to Muscat after her flight from Singapore was disrupted by the conflict.
After failing to receive confirmation for the UK charter flight, she eventually secured a seat on a Qatar Airways flight departing Oman.
Cleary said the airport appeared relatively calm despite the crisis and noted that some flights were leaving with empty seats, offering hope to stranded passengers.
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Airspace Closures Disrupt Travel Across the Middle East
Travel disruptions remain severe across the region.
Airspace has been partially or completely restricted in multiple countries, including:
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- Iraq
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates
- Israel
- Syria
Major airlines have suspended several routes, making evacuation efforts far more complex.
For instance, British Airways operated one flight from Muscat to London early Thursday and plans two additional flights later in the week, though both are already fully booked.
Emotional Homecomings as Some Britons Finally Return
Despite the chaos, some British travellers have already made it home.
At Edinburgh Airport, emotional scenes unfolded as around 300 passengers arrived from Dubai on a commercial flight.
Many described frightening moments during the regional escalation.
One traveller said airport staff urged passengers to “run, run, leave your suitcases” after emergency alerts warned of potential attacks.
For those arriving safely, relief outweighed the exhaustion of long journeys and uncertainty.
UK Government Deploys Military Support as Crisis Continues
As the evacuation effort continues, the UK government has also announced military measures to protect its regional interests.
The HMS Dragon is expected to be deployed to the Mediterranean to help defend the British military base at RAF Akrotiri, which was reportedly targeted by an Iranian drone.
Officials say evacuation flights will continue to be arranged as the situation evolves, though travellers are still advised to avoid non-essential travel across the Gulf region.
FAQ
Why was the UK charter flight from Oman delayed?
The UK charter flight scheduled to depart from Muscat was delayed due to operational issues related to boarding passengers and logistical coordination. Officials confirmed the aircraft is now expected to depart soon.
Who can board the UK government evacuation flight from Oman?
Eligible passengers include British nationals, their spouses or partners, and children under 18. Priority is given to vulnerable travelers, and passengers must pay for their seats.
How many Britons are stranded in the Middle East?
More than 130,000 British nationals have registered with the UK government for updates, including around 112,000 in the United Arab Emirates alone.
Are commercial flights still operating in the Middle East?
Some commercial flights are operating, but many routes remain suspended due to airspace restrictions. Airlines such as Qatar Airways and British Airways have scheduled limited flights from certain cities.
Why are flights disrupted across the Middle East?
The disruptions are linked to escalating military tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory missile attacks, which forced several countries to restrict their airspace.
Can travelers still leave Oman?
Yes. While some flights are limited, commercial airlines and relief flights are operating from Muscat, allowing stranded passengers to return home via alternate routes.
How much does the UK evacuation flight cost?
The UK government confirmed that passengers must pay for seats on the charter flight, though priority is given to vulnerable individuals needing assistance.
What should Britons in the Middle East do now?
British nationals in the region are advised to register with the UK Foreign Office for travel updates, monitor airline announcements, and avoid non-essential travel until the security situation improves.