Addis Ababa - An escalating military confrontation in the Middle East, triggered by hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has led to the closure of large swathes of regional airspace, stranding thousands of foreign nationals across Gulf states.
Flight cancellations have left as many as 30,000 German travellers unable to depart from countries in the region, according to official estimates. The disruption has compounded logistical challenges for governments seeking to evacuate their citizens amid heightened security risks.
The German government announced plans to begin special evacuation flights on Wednesday for its nationals stranded in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that priority would be given to children, pregnant women, and individuals requiring medical assistance.
In addition to German nationals, citizens of France, the United Kingdom, and Italy have been held up for days at major transit hubs in Dubai, Qatar, and Kuwait. At Dubai International Airport, passengers have reportedly faced shortages of food and accommodation as mounting flight suspensions disrupt onward travel plans.
Although some United Arab Emirates carriers have resumed limited services to Europe, continuing missile exchanges and aerial strikes across the region pose significant risks to civilian aviation. Governments are engaged in diplomatic efforts with neighbouring countries to facilitate safe evacuations, but the widening scope of the conflict is complicating these operations.
