The UK government will launch its first repatriation flight from the Middle East on Wednesday evening, evacuating British citizens as the war with Iran enters its fifth day.
The flight will depart from Muscat, Oman, at 7pm. Seats are available for British nationals, their partners, and children under 18 with valid travel documents. The Foreign Office said priority will be given to the most vulnerable. Officials will contact eligible passengers directly and advised against traveling to the airport without confirmation.
Sir Keir Starmer faces questions in the Commons on Wednesday over his handling of the Iran conflict. The UK Prime Minister previously allowed US use of British bases, including Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford, but only for defensive strikes to protect nations targeted by Tehran.
HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy Type 45 air defence destroyer, will be deployed to the Mediterranean alongside two Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet missiles to safeguard British bases in Cyprus following a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri. The destroyer was pictured at Portsmouth Harbour on Tuesday evening.
The Foreign Office also updated travel guidance for Thailand due to regional disruptions, including airspace closures, delays, and cancelled flights. British nationals are urged to stay updated with airlines, tour operators, and review travel insurance before traveling.
Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported a vessel struck by an unknown projectile off Fujairah, UAE. The ship sustained damage to steel plating, but there were no injuries, fire, or water intake. Authorities are investigating, and vessels are advised to transit cautiously and report suspicious activity.
This evacuation marks the first official UK effort to bring citizens home as tensions escalate across the Middle East.
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