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Germany has announced plans to deploy civilian aircraft to Saudi Arabia and Oman as part of an emergency mission to evacuate thousands of citizens stranded by the escalating Middle East war.
With an estimated 30,000 Germans currently stuck in the region, the Foreign Ministry is prioritising the rescue of the most vulnerable tourists following the outbreak of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed that Riyadh and Muscat remain the primary hubs for these flights due to their open airspace.
The evacuation effort is a complex logistical operation involving coordination with national carrier Lufthansa and the deployment of specialised crisis teams to Muscat, Doha, and Dubai.
These teams are tasked with exploring both aerial and overland extraction routes for citizens scattered across the Gulf.
Additionally, embassy staff from Cairo have been repositioned to assist Germans attempting to navigate border crossings out of Israel as the conflict spreads across the region.
The situation is particularly tense for approximately 5,000 passengers currently confined to two TUI cruise ships docked in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
While travellers report being well-provisioned, a pervasive atmosphere of fear has taken hold, with some passengers describing the distress of children and the uncertainty of restricted movement.
TUI Cruises has stated it is in constant contact with airlines to secure reliable return paths, though the “dynamic situation” continues to limit available flight connections.
Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised that the safety of German citizens remains the government’s “top priority” as the strikes continue to disrupt international travel and regional stability.
As the first wave of planes prepares to depart for Saudi Arabia and Oman, the focus remains on stabilising the most high-risk groups and providing clear departure windows for those trapped in the unfolding conflict zone.
