The European Union is set to hold urgent discussions on repatriating European nationals trapped in the Middle East, particularly Iran. EU ambassadors will meet, followed by a video conference of the Foreign Affairs Council. Consular assistance and citizen repatriation have been highlighted as critical concerns following escalating regional conflict.
Several European nations have advised citizens against travel to Iran and Israel, urging them to register for consular support. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed measures are underway to protect French citizens and interests in the region.
The conflict has caused severe air travel disruptions, with approximately 3,400 flights cancelled across seven airports. Major hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, along with airspace closures in Qatar, Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain, have grounded major carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad.
Israeli authorities are preparing a repatriation mission for their nationals once airspace reopens. The scale of the potential EU operation is being compared to its coordinated repatriation efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.