The Green Post Ireland
The Irish Government is preparing to charter a flight from Oman in the coming days to bring Irish citizens home from the Middle East as tensions across the region continue to escalate.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee confirmed the emergency plan, saying the aircraft will carry up to 280 passengers and is intended primarily for vulnerable Irish citizens who urgently need assistance leaving the region.
Evacuation Flight Planned via Oman
People selected for the charter flight will first be transported by bus from the United Arab Emirates to Oman before boarding the aircraft home to Ireland.
The Government has not yet confirmed the exact departure date, but officials are expected to contact eligible passengers shortly.
According to McEntee, the flight will only proceed if airspace conditions allow safe travel.
She said the evacuation could mark the beginning of a broader effort to assist Irish citizens affected by the rapidly evolving crisis.
“We hope this will be the first of many flights,” the minister said.
Thousands of Irish Citizens Seek Help
Around 2,000 people have already contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs crisis management centre seeking assistance to leave the Middle East.
In total, approximately 24,000 Irish citizens in the region have registered with the department in recent days as tensions continue to rise.
The first evacuation flight will focus primarily on Irish citizens in the UAE who are non-residents, vulnerable or in urgent need of support.
Despite the scale of the operation, McEntee acknowledged that a single flight can only accommodate a small fraction of those who may want to return home.
Travel Disruptions Continue
The growing regional conflict has caused widespread disruption to international air travel.
More than 50 flights have already been cancelled to and from Dublin Airport since the weekend, and all flights between Dublin and the Middle East scheduled for the following day have also been cancelled.
Irish authorities continue to advise citizens in the region to remain where they are and stay in contact with their nearest Irish embassy.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the current guidance is clear: Irish citizens should shelter in place and ensure they are registered with embassy services so that communication can be maintained during the crisis.
Irish Troops in Lebanon Reported Safe
The Government also confirmed that Irish soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are safe and accounted for.
While evacuation options are being considered as a precaution, McEntee said the troops remain on duty and continue to carry out their peacekeeping responsibilities.
Any decision regarding their withdrawal would be taken in consultation with UNIFIL and the Defence Forces based on safety conditions.
Political Debate Over Government Response
The escalating conflict has also triggered political debate in Ireland.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the Government for not strongly condemning the US military actions in Iran, arguing that they violate international law and undermine Ireland’s tradition of neutrality.
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns also called on the Government to condemn what she described as a clear breach of international law.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded by stressing the complexity of the situation, saying the Government’s priority remains reducing tensions and supporting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
For now, Irish authorities are focused on ensuring citizens can return home safely while monitoring the rapidly developing situation across the Middle East.
