Ireland tracks 24,400 citizens in Gulf as charter flight readies departure from Oman; Middle East flight disruptions persist
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said 24,400 Irish citizens have registered their presence in the Gulf region as the government accelerates repatriation efforts amid a sixth straight day of air travel disruption linked to the war involving Iran.
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Speaking in the Dáil and to RTÉ News, McEntee said registrations are rising daily and that about 80% of travelers on direct Dubai–Dublin flights last night and tonight are Irish citizens. Emirates flight EK163 landed in Dublin at 11 p.m. last night, and another Emirates service arrived at 7:14 p.m. this evening as most airspace across the region remains curtailed.
The government has chartered a flight for Irish citizens that is due to depart Muscat, Oman, tomorrow, with vulnerable passengers prioritized. McEntee said the €800 contribution requested from adult passengers represents less than half the cost of the operation, adding that seeking a contribution is standard procedure and that no one will be refused a seat because of inability to pay. Children will travel free on the charter, which is expected to bring more than 300 people home. The state will also cover bus transport for those traveling from the United Arab Emirates to Muscat to reach the flight.
Irish officials said a large share of the 384 passengers who landed in Dublin on Wednesday night were transiting through Ireland to onward European destinations. Separately, an inbound flight late Wednesday night carried more than 360 passengers, and two outbound flights to Dubai departed yesterday and overnight with a small number of travelers aboard.
McEntee said she has been deeply concerned since the outbreak of the war last Saturday by the scale of death and destruction and its impact on Irish citizens. She noted that current military operations by the United States and Israel have no United Nations mandate or authorization, and that no attempt has been made to seek one. Ireland’s position on the use of force outside such a context is well known, she said, emphasizing that all states must abide by international law and the U.N. Charter. She declined to say whether she believes the current attacks are outside international law.
At Dublin Airport, flight disruption to and from the Middle East will continue for a sixth consecutive day, said Graeme McQueen, head of media relations for airport operator daa. Eleven of the 13 services scheduled today between Dublin and the Middle East were canceled by airlines, he said. The only flights remaining on the schedule are an inbound Emirates service from Dubai, expected around 7 p.m., and an outbound flight to Dubai, due to depart around 10 p.m.
McQueen said that brings total cancellations by airlines since Saturday to more than 70. While the limited movements are welcome, he said further disruption is likely in the days ahead and urged passengers to check directly with their airlines for the latest status.
Irish citizens in the Gulf region are urged to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and monitor official channels for updates.
Citizens Registration: citizensregistration.dfa.ie
DFAT Crisis Team (24/7): +353 (0)1 408 2000
People from Northern Ireland who do not hold an Irish passport but wish to register their presence with the Irish government should call the number above.
People from Northern Ireland who do not hold a British passport but wish to register with the UK government can contact the 24/7 Consular Call Centre on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
