Abu dhabi: A chartered plane is scheduled to evacuate South Koreans from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this weekend, as tensions escalate in the Middle East, the South Korean foreign ministry announced Saturday. The ministry is arranging a 290-seat Etihad Airways flight, which is set to depart from Abu Dhabi at noon on Sunday, local time.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean Embassy in the UAE will begin accepting applications early Saturday from nationals wishing to board the plane. Priority will be given to critically ill patients, individuals with severe disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly, and infants.
The evacuation plan comes as a response to flight disruptions affecting approximately 3,000 South Koreans stranded in the UAE due to the heightened conflict between Iran and the United States. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has pledged comprehensive efforts to ensure the safe return of all South Koreans wishing to leave the region. In a joint meeting with overseas diplomatic missions based in the Middle East, he emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for any potential challenges and uncertainties to safeguard the well-being of South Korean nationals.