Over 5,000 Uzbek Citizens Repatriated from Saudi Arabia and UAE Amid Conflict

In response to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, the government of Uzbekistan has successfully repatriated thousands of its citizens. The closure of airspace in several countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Israel, Jordan, the UAE, and Lebanon has led to widespread flight cancellations from Uzbekistan to destinations like Dubai, Sharjah, Medina, Doha, Jeddah, Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Kuwait since February 28th.

Between February 28th and March 2nd alone, 1,681 Uzbek nationals were unable to depart from Kuwait, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE due to these disruptions.

Acting on instructions from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's office to ensure their safe return home. A dedicated 24-hour operational headquarters was established within the national aviation agency "Uzaviation" to coordinate this large-scale effort.

The Ministry of Transport worked closely with both resident and foreign airlines to develop specific repatriation plans. Given the rapidly changing situation with closed air corridors new mandatory requirements were established for all carriers involved in these special flights following negotiations with foreign aviation authorities.

Airlines are currently operating flights primarily for passengers who had originally departed Uzbekistan before February 28th. To date resident carriers have organized a total of 21 special flights from the Saudi cities of Medina and Jeddah bringing back 4,948 people. An additional 235 citizens have been repatriated from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The Ministry of Transport and "Uzaviation" strongly advise citizens to obtain information exclusively through official airline representatives and their websites to avoid financial or organizational risks. A dedicated 24-hour call center has been set up for passenger assistance at +998 (78) 120-00-72 and +998 (71) 200-07-65.