More than 100,000 Britons stranded in Gulf, with airspace closed to most flights

"More than 100,000 Britons were stranded in the Gulf on Monday, with airspace in the region still closed to most flights and overland evacuation regarded as risky while Iran continues to launch missile and drone strikes across the region. Downing Street said UK officials were considering all options to get citizens home safely, including using commercial, charter and military flights and bussing evacuees across land borders into Saudi Arabia and Turkey."

"The increasingly reckless strikes from the Iranian regime targeting Gulf allies, including strikes on bases, airports and on hotels, directly put British lives at risk. The safety and security of those British nationals remains this government's top priority. We know people right across the country will be deeply concerned by the scale of this crisis, in particular the British nationals, including holidaymakers and transit passengers who are currently in the region."

"Given the huge numbers involved with more than 200,000 Britons believed to be in the region, half whom have registered their presence with the Foreign Office the quickest route to get them out would be for commercial flights to resume. A few, selected passenger planes were due to lift off from Abu Dhabi and Dubai's international airports on Monday evening, with thousands of passengers understood to be stuck there in transit."

More than 100,000 British nationals are stranded in the Gulf region as airspace remains closed to most flights and Iranian military strikes continue. The UK government is considering multiple evacuation routes including commercial and charter flights, military transport, and overland routes through Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The Foreign Office has established 24/7 consular support and deployed additional staff to coordinate with travel industries and regional governments. With approximately 200,000 Britons believed to be in the region, resuming commercial flights represents the fastest evacuation method. However, expected continued Iranian airstrikes throughout the week complicate immediate relief efforts.

Read at www.theguardian.com