Chartered Flight Lands in Dublin as Nearly 200 Irish Citizens Repatriated from Gulf Region
189 Irish citizens have landed in Dublin on a chartered flight from Oman as the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to assist those stranded in the Gulf region.
A chartered repatriation flight from Oman has arrived in Dublin tonight, carrying 189 Irish citizens home from the Gulf region amid an ongoing and volatile security situation.
The flight, which stopped in Cairo en route, was arranged by the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist those stranded following a period of significant unrest in the region.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee confirmed the arrival and welcomed those on board, acknowledging the difficulty of the journey for many passengers, particularly those who had to travel overland to Muscat before boarding.
Minister McEntee:
"I want to welcome home all those who travelled on the flight we have chartered to assist those stranded in the Gulf region. I know their return will be an enormous relief for themselves and for their families and friends."
The minister noted that commercial flights from Dubai have already facilitated the return of approximately 1,500 Irish citizens in recent days, and urged those still in the UAE who wish to leave to make use of available commercial options.
Officials confirmed arrangements with over 280 citizens ahead of the departure, with around 180 checking in for the overland journey on Friday morning. Some remaining spaces were filled by other Irish nationals in Muscat who required assistance.
The situation in the region remains serious. Minister McEntee confirmed that further attacks on the UAE, other Gulf countries, and Iran took place today.
Minister McEntee:
"The last week has been incredibly distressing for our citizens in the Gulf. The situation remains volatile, with further attacks on the UAE and other Gulf countries today, and on Iran."
More than 18,000 Irish citizens have registered their presence in the Gulf with the Department since last weekend. Those who have not yet done so are strongly encouraged to register, and anyone requiring consular assistance is asked to contact the Consular Crisis Team in Dublin directly.
