Uzbekistan successfully repatriates over 5,000 citizens from Middle East amid regional crises

The crisis began on 28 February, when the airspace of ten countries was restricted, leading to the cancellation of all scheduled flights from Uzbekistan to major hubs including Dubai, Sharjah, Medina, Jeddah, Doha, Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Kuwait City.

Data provided by the Ministry of Transport reveals that 1,681 Uzbek citizens were unable to depart from the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel following the sudden suspension of air travel. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported receiving a total of 2,144 requests for assistance from nationals across the Middle East.

Following an urgent directive from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with domestic and international airlines, activated a strategic repatriation plan. Coordination is being managed by a 24-hour specialized task force established under the Civil Aviation Agency.

Repatriation efforts have prioritized regions with the highest concentration of citizens, particularly those on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

• Saudi Arabia: Resident airlines have operated 21 flights from the cities of Medina and Jeddah, successfully transporting 4,948 passengers back to Uzbekistan.
• United Arab Emirates: One dedicated evacuation flight was organized from Dubai, bringing home 235 citizens.

The task force emphasized that all carriers must adhere to strict safety protocols and international agreements with foreign aviation authorities, especially given the remaining restrictions in certain regional air corridors.

The Ministry of Transport has strongly advised citizens and their families to seek information regarding repatriation schedules exclusively through the official representatives and hotlines of the airlines. To avoid "misunderstandings and financial risks," the public is urged to ignore unverified intermediaries and third-party brokers.