Over 5,000 Uzbek Citizens Repatriated from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Other Countries

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Amid the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, Uzbek citizens continue returning home. The airspace of countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Israel, Jordan, the UAE, and Lebanon remains closed to flights for varying periods, resulting in cancellations of flights from Uzbek cities to Dubai, Sharjah, Medina, Doha, Jeddah, Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Kuwait since 28 February.

Between 28 February and 2 March, 1,681 Uzbek citizens were unable to depart from Kuwait, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Following directives from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Ministry of Transport, together with resident and foreign airlines, developed specific plans for repatriating citizens. A 24-hour coordination center was established at the “Uzaviatsiya” agency to oversee the operation.

Considering airspace closures and evolving conditions, and following negotiations with foreign aviation authorities, mandatory requirements have been established for all airlines conducting repatriation flights.

Currently, airlines are operating flights for passengers who were scheduled to depart before 28 February. Resident carriers have arranged 21 flights from Medina and Jeddah, returning 4,948 passengers, while 235 people were repatriated from Dubai.

The Ministry of Transport and “Uzaviatsiya” strongly advise obtaining information exclusively from official airline channels and websites to avoid financial or logistical risks.

A 24-hour call center has been set up to assist passengers at +998 (78) 120-00-72 and +998 (71) 200-07-65.