Chartered Flight from UAE Repatriates 203 South Koreans Amid Rising Tensions
Synopsis
In a decisive action, a chartered flight has left the UAE to bring home over 200 South Koreans stranded due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. With travel alerts raised, the South Korean government is urging citizens to avoid travel to affected regions.
Key Takeaways
A chartered flight from the UAE has repatriated 203 South Koreans.
Travel alerts have been raised for several Middle Eastern countries.
South Korea is working to bring home about 3,000 nationals stranded due to conflict.
The Foreign Ministry has deployed a team to assist in evacuation efforts.
Citizens are advised to reconsider travel to the affected regions.
Seoul, March 8 (NationPress) A chartered flight has taken off from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, tasked with repatriating hundreds of South Koreans who are currently stranded in the Middle East, as tensions rise between Iran and the United States, according to the South Korean Foreign Ministry.
The Etihad Airways chartered aircraft, which is carrying 203 South Koreans along with their three foreign spouses, left Abu Dhabi at 5:35 p.m. (Korean time). It is anticipated to reach Incheon International Airport, located west of Seoul, around 2 a.m. on Monday, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Efforts are underway by South Korea to facilitate the return of approximately 3,000 of its citizens who are stuck in the UAE due to flight cancellations resulting from the rising tensions in the region following recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Since flight operations have been resumed, nearly 1,500 South Koreans, including those on this charter flight, have successfully left the UAE.
The Foreign Ministry has deployed a joint rapid response team to the UAE to support the evacuation process. The South Korean Embassy in the UAE began accepting requests from citizens wanting to board the chartered flight from early Saturday.
Additionally, the Foreign Ministry has escalated travel advisories for Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
A Level 3 travel warning, which advises citizens to leave these countries, is now in effect as of Sunday, superseding a previous special travel advisory. This alert encompasses all areas of Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.
"We urge South Korean nationals who plan to visit these regions to either cancel or defer their travel plans," the ministry stated. "We also advise those currently in these locations to exit unless absolutely necessary for business."
Point of View
This situation underscores the gravity of international tensions affecting citizens abroad. The South Korean government's proactive measures reflect a commitment to ensuring the safety of its nationals during a volatile period.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the South Korean government send a chartered flight from the UAE?
The government arranged the chartered flight to repatriate South Koreans stranded in the UAE due to rising tensions between Iran and the US.
What is the current travel advisory for South Korea citizens in the Middle East?
The Foreign Ministry has issued a Level 3 travel alert, advising South Koreans to leave Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
How many South Koreans are still stranded in the UAE?
Approximately 3,000 South Koreans are still stranded in the UAE due to flight disruptions.
What actions has the South Korean Foreign Ministry taken?
The ministry has deployed a rapid response team to assist with evacuation operations and is actively coordinating the repatriation of stranded nationals.
What should South Koreans do if they are in the affected regions?
The government recommends that South Koreans either cancel or postpone their trips to the affected regions and withdraw unless necessary for urgent business.
