South Korea's foreign ministry announced a chartered Etihad Airways flight to evacuate nationals from the UAE on Sunday, as Iran-US tensions disrupt flights in the Middle East. With around 3,000 Koreans stranded, the embassy will accept applications starting early Saturday, prioritizing critically ill patients, those with severe disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly, and infants.
Amid flight disruptions caused by escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, South Korea's foreign ministry announced on March 7, 2026, that a 290-seat Etihad Airways chartered flight will depart from Abu Dhabi at noon local time on Sunday to evacuate stranded nationals from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The South Korean Embassy in the UAE will begin accepting applications from Korean nationals early Saturday, with priority given to critically ill patients, people with severe disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly, and infants. This measure addresses the situation where approximately 3,000 South Koreans are stranded due to the ongoing conflict.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a joint meeting with 13 overseas diplomatic missions in the Middle East on Saturday, vowing all-out efforts to ensure the safe return of every South Korean who wishes to come home. He instructed officials to "prepare thoroughly for any possible challenges and uncertainties" to safeguard nationals.
Additionally, Cho spoke by telephone with his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, requesting Bahrain's cooperation in swiftly and safely returning Koreans there. He also expressed sympathy to Bahrain, which has suffered large-scale infrastructure damage, including to refinery facilities, from Iranian attacks.
The flight follows the arrival of hundreds of South Koreans from Dubai at Incheon International Airport on Friday. The ministry continues to prioritize the safety of its citizens abroad.