Foreign Ministry urges Dutch citizens in Middle East to register for repatriation

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging citizens and residents in the Middle East to contact the ministry for repatriation information via Crisis Contact Form as travel disruptions leave about 1,000 Dutch travelers stranded across the region.

The Dutch travel association ANVR said the unrest in Iran and surrounding countries has caused widespread flight cancellations and airspace restrictions, leaving few options for those trying to return home. Additionally, Western airlines remain barred from flying over Russia due to the 2022 Ukraine war, forcing longer and more costly routes over the Caucasus, including Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

TUI Netherlands reports roughly 300 passengers stranded, mainly in Dubai. TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel told German news channel n-tv that repatriation could take several days, with first flights planned to Munich through coordination with Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. A TUI spokesperson confirmed the company is working with the ministry to bring travelers home.

Major carriers have suspended or canceled flights across the region. KLM canceled Amsterdam–Tel Aviv service and some Gulf flights, while Air France halted flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut.

Lufthansa paused flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Oman, and Dubai through March 7, avoiding Israeli, Lebanese, Jordanian, Iraqi, and Iranian airspace. Wizz Air and Japan Airlines also suspended several Middle East routes. Some Emirates flights continued but with delays.

ANVR holds daily consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate repatriation. “If opportunities arise, we must act very quickly,” an ANVR spokeswoman said. Some flights, such as Etihad arrivals from Abu Dhabi, land at Schiphol only on short notice. The ministry’s crisis contact form allows stranded travelers to provide their information so officials can advise on safe departures.