Finland’s Foreign Affairs Ministry is organising a charter evacuation flight for Finnish nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates, as the escalating Middle East conflict enters its fifth day following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) announced that the flight will depart from Muscat, the capital of Oman, and travel to Helsinki this weekend.
€2,300 per seat
Seats on the charter flight will cost approximately €2,300 per passenger. According to Valtonen, the price reflects sharply increased insurance premiums linked to the regional security situation. Travellers may also incur additional expenses reaching Oman from the UAE, as overland transport is not included.
Finnish citizens who previously notified the ministry of their travel to the UAE received a survey regarding their interest in the flight. Participation is voluntary, and passengers must cover the full cost themselves.
Shared responsibility
Valtonen stressed that airlines and tour operators retain primary responsibility for their customers. The ministry is in ongoing discussions with Finnair regarding options for affected travellers.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry stated it would make every possible effort to assist Finns wishing to leave the region, but underlined that government-organised evacuation flights are not free of charge and operate within the framework of consular cost-recovery rules.