Belgium has begun a complex evacuation operation to bring home hundreds of citizens stranded in the Middle East after the escalation of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran disrupted commercial aviation across the Gulf.
Authorities estimate that around 560 Belgian travellers require assistance to leave the region, most of them tourists caught in the United Arab Emirates when flights were cancelled or rerouted.
Evacuation via Oman
Because direct departures from the UAE remain difficult, the Belgian government has organised overland transfers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Muscat, Oman’s capital. From there, evacuees are being flown to Europe on military aircraft.
The backbone is one Airbus A330 MRTT transport aircraft with tail number T-062 operating from Hurghada to Brussels Airport. Each flight can carry roughly 200 passengers and provides the first direct route home for stranded Belgians since the crisis began.
Military and Charter Aircraft
Additional transport capacity is being provided by two Airbus A400M military aircraft, which are ferrying evacuees from the Gulf to Hurghada, Egypt. From the Red Sea resort city, travellers can continue to Belgium on further military or charter flights.
Belgium has also chartered civilian aircraft to supplement the military operation. One flight organised with Cyprus Airways is scheduled to carry around 180 passengers from Dubai to Brussels via Cyprus.
European Cooperation
The repatriation effort is also relying on assistance from European partners. Some Belgians have already returned on evacuation flights organised by the Netherlands and Luxembourg, reflecting growing EU cooperation in response to the rapidly evolving crisis.
A Logistical Challenge
Officials say the operation remains highly dependent on security conditions and available airspace. Bus convoys, flight schedules and aircraft deployments are being adjusted daily as the situation develops.
Despite the uncertainty, Belgian authorities say the goal is clear: to bring home all travellers who wish to leave the region as quickly and safely as possible.