British officials are studying plans to support, and even possibly evacuate, over 200,000 nationals stranded in the Gulf region following intense US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks from Iran. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the estimate includes residents, holidaymakers, and transit travellers, with many concentrated in high-traffic locations like the UAE. Foreign Office registration increased to at least 94,000 by the first days of March, including around 50,000 in the UAE alone, leading to urgent appeals for citizens in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to sign up for direct updates.
Travel advice has escalated dramatically, advising against all but essential travel to the UAE while urging those already present to shelter in place and follow local authorities. Airspace closures across major centres like Dubai and Doha have cancelled thousands of flights through fear of drone and missile attacks from Iran, which has left passengers stranded and raised fears of prolonged disruptions. Luxury hotels and infrastructure, including parts of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai International Airport, have sustained damage from intercepted missile debris.
Officials are currently said to be exploring multiple routes for the potential evacuation of tens of thousands, possibly through open airspace in Saudi Arabia or alternative corridors. Starmer has stressed unwavering support, stating this has been a deeply worrying period while pledging maximum assistance. No full-scale operation has launched yet, but preparations position this as one of Britain’s largest peacetime evacuations if conditions worsen.
Other nations launch similar repatriation efforts for stranded citizens
Thailand has moved rapidly with proactive measures, readying military and charter flights to repatriate citizens, especially from Iran. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced coordination with the Royal Thai Air Force, establishing a “war room” and 24-hour consular centre. Over 1,000 Thais in the UAE requested assistance, with complex overland options considered for those in Iran.
Australia issues stern warnings of serious disruptions, advising citizens, estimated at around 115,000 in the region, to put safety first and prepare independently. Discussions include military-assisted options if commercial services fail, though emphasis remains on shelter-in-place and hoping for airspace reopening.
European Union coordinates bloc-wide response to protect nationals
EU ambassadors and foreign ministers are convening emergency sessions to prioritise repatriation due to the flight chaos. However, in the past days, the European Commission has come under fire from critics for saying too little about the situation. Many hope that the UK’s pledges will spur European politicians into action.
That said, Spain is said to have activated its non-combatant evacuation contingency, placing an A400M aircraft on standby while advising around 30,000 nationals to shelter and prepare documents.
