Dalena Reporters l Monday, March 2, 2026
BERLIN — With ongoing hostilities in the Middle East disrupting travel and safety, the German government announced on Monday that it would deploy civilian aircraft to Saudi Arabia and Oman to evacuate thousands of German tourists stranded by the regional war, as international tensions continue to reverberate across the Gulf region.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin is coordinating urgent airlifts from Riyadh and Muscat while the airspace there remains open, prioritising the most vulnerable travellers including elderly and medically at-risk citizens amid flight suspensions and widespread disruption. According to German travel authorities, an estimated 30,000 Germans have been left unable to return home due to the suspension of airline services and closures of key routes in and out of the conflict zone.
In addition to air evacuations, the government has deployed crisis response teams to Muscat, Doha and Dubai to assist with logistics and explore alternative land or sea evacuation options, including coordination with neighbouring states. Wadephul highlighted ongoing negotiations with national carrier Lufthansa to secure additional outbound flights.
The disruption has also affected maritime travel, with reports indicating that around 5,000 passengers including many German citizens — remain stranded on two cruise ships anchored in the UAE and Qatar. Witnesses on board described anxiety among families and children amid uncertain departure timelines and limited travel options.
The evacuation plan comes as governments around the world grapple with assisting their nationals in a region where air corridors are increasingly volatile due to sustained strikes and retaliatory attacks in the Iran-linked conflict. Authorities have continuously warned travellers to avoid areas of conflict and prepare for evolving security conditions.