The government is preparing to deploy consular staff and two New Zealand Defence Force aircraft to the Middle East ahead of potential evacuation operations.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters advises New Zealanders in the Middle East to remain sheltered in place or seize any safe, feasible chances to depart.
He noted that the timing and method of any civilian evacuation remain uncertain but stressed the need to be prepared should ground conditions allow. Once conditions permit, NZDF planes will transport New Zealanders to points where they can board commercial flights home—flights that won’t be lengthy.
Peters explained that with potentially thousands needing rapid evacuation, it’s best to move them to safer locations as quickly as possible.
Defence Minister Judith Collins said the exact deployment locations for the consular team and two NZDF C-130J aircraft are yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirms an Emirates flight from Dubai to Auckland is scheduled for today.
The government is urgently requesting airline updates to verify when flights from the UAE and Qatar to New Zealand will resume.
MFAT urges passengers booked on the Emirates flight to check with the airline or their travel agent. It’s providing support for those experiencing problems with travel paperwork.
Based on reports, MFAT has 3,000 registered New Zealanders residing in the Middle East.