First KLM repatriation flight to bring 83 Dutch nationals home from Middle East

Minister Tom Berendsen of Foreign Affairs told MPs that on Tuesday evening KLM will operate a flight to bring home people who have been unable to leave the Middle East because of the conflict involving Iran. The flight will carry 83 Dutch nationals, and officials believe there are many more, possibly in the thousands, still stranded across the region.

“There will already be a flight tonight in cooperation with KLM to ensure that some of the Dutch citizens can return,” said the minister. He declined to reveal the country of departure for security reasons, though an insider indicated that the plane is coming from Oman.

Berendsen said that all efforts are being made to retrieve the Dutch nationals. “We are also making preparations for potential repatriation, alongside the options that commercial flights will provide.”

He warned against traveling haphazardly in hopes of catching a return flight. “The priority is to get people to the plane safely.” Berendsen encouraged stranded travelers to reach out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a local embassy, saying, “This is the best way for us to assist them.”

Several commercial flights from the Middle East have already taken off. The minister said these flights are likely to make the biggest difference, but he has no way of knowing how long the conflict will continue.

Dutch travel companies have so far been able to do little to bring stranded travelers in the Middle East back home. Because of attacks by Iran on neighbouring countries that host American bases, almost no regular flight traffic is possible.

A representative from Prijsvrij Vakanties and D-Reizen explained that Etihad and Emirates are running a limited number of flights from the UAE, but none of their clients are on board. “It appears that priority is being given to transit passengers and vulnerable travelers with urgent medical requirements,” he added.

Most travelers from D-Reizen and Prijsvrij who are stranded are in Dubai. “They are able to remain in their hotels. While it is certainly inconvenient, we have seen no signs that their situation is dangerous,” the spokesperson said.