Finland will organise a state-assisted repatriation flight from Oman to Helsinki for citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates as fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran disrupts air travel across the Middle East.
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said the charter flight will depart from Muscat over the coming weekend. Seats will be sold to passengers at a cost of about €2,300 each.
“Those Finns who wish to leave can buy a seat on this self-funded flight,” Valtonen wrote on the social media platform X.
She said the price reflects a sharp rise in aviation insurance premiums and other operating costs. Travellers may also face additional expenses in reaching Oman.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs stressed that airlines and tour operators retain primary responsibility for their customers. The repatriation flight is intended as a supplementary measure for those unable to return through commercial routes.
Consular Chief Jussi Tanner told a press briefing that the ministry has so far decided on at least one flight. “The costs are around €2,300 per passenger, which is of course a lot of money,” he said, adding that insurance prices have driven up fares.
About 3,000 Finns in Middle Eastern countries have filed travel notifications with the ministry. Roughly 1,900 to 2,000 of them are in the United Arab Emirates. Around 60 Finns are believed to be in Iran.
Tanner said it is difficult to estimate how many people want to leave. “People’s intentions vary. There is quite a wide range,” he said. He declined to provide a numerical estimate, citing limited reliability.
Travellers in the UAE must arrange their own transport to Muscat, although the ministry said it will assist with practical matters such as travel permits. Finnish passport holders are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at Oman’s border.
Speaking from Warsaw after an informal meeting with European counterparts, Valtonen said discussions had focused on European security and the situation in the Middle East. “We are preparing for instability there to continue for a long time,” she said, condemning Iran’s attacks.
Asked about Washington’s objectives, Valtonen said: “We do not have a clear view of what the United States’ actual goal in this war is,” referring to possible aims such as missile capabilities, nuclear preparations or a change of regime.
She also addressed the implications for Russia, noting that Iran has supplied missiles and drones to Moscow. “At least for now, they are not being used to punish Ukraine,” she said.
President Alexander Stubb said on social media that he had spoken by telephone with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “Our authorities are coordinating the situation together,” Stubb wrote, adding that they had discussed the position of Finns in the Emirates.
Further details on ticket sales and arrangements at Muscat airport will be published through the ministry’s channels and sent directly to those who have registered their presence in the UAE.
HT