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Irish Citizens Home After Middle East Crisis Flight
8 Mar
Summary
- First chartered Irish flight from Muscat lands in Dublin.
- Nearly 200 people, including children, were repatriated.
- Escalating hostilities between Israel, US, and Iran caused the need.
The Irish government has successfully completed its first chartered flight to repatriate citizens from the Middle East. The flight, originating from Muscat, Oman, with a stop in Cairo, landed at Dublin Airport carrying approximately 194 individuals, including children and infants.
This repatriation effort was prompted by escalating hostilities between Israel, the United States, and Iran, which left many Irish citizens stranded. Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee acknowledged the challenging journey and expressed relief at facilitating the return of nearly 200 people. Hundreds of other Irish citizens have also returned via commercial flights from the region in recent days.
Around 1,500 Irish citizens have returned home in recent days, with the government encouraging those still in the UAE to use available commercial options. The situation in the Gulf remains volatile, with ongoing tensions and further attacks reported. Irish citizens in the region are urged to register their presence with the Department of Foreign Affairs, as over 18,000 have done since the previous weekend. An estimated 24,000 Irish citizens are registered across the region, including significant populations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
