Foreign Minister Cho Hyun addressed the ongoing Middle East crisis on March 5th, cautioning against excessive worry while acknowledging the unpredictability of Iran’s conflict. He revealed that the ministry is actively preparing to dispatch charter flights to evacuate South Korean citizens stranded in the region.
During an appearance on SBS Radio’s “Kim Taehyun’s Political Show,” Cho stated, “While deploying military transport aircraft remains a possibility, we are meticulously evaluating all options at an operational level to determine the swiftest and most effective approach.”
The Foreign Ministry elaborated on its multi-faceted strategy, which includes potential deployment of both charter and military transport planes. Officials are currently in talks with local authorities through diplomatic channels to facilitate the safe return of Korean nationals.
Should officials opt for charter or military aircraft, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to be the primary destination. Alternatively, depending on the evolving situation, nearby Oman or Saudi Arabia could serve as evacuation points.
However, the ministry is closely monitoring the situation in the UAE, where the majority of Korean tourists are located. The gradual resumption of flights by UAE carriers at Dubai Airport and the phased reopening of airport services have prompted officials to adopt a wait-and-see approach before finalizing any deployment plans.
Some short-term Korean residents have already managed to return home via alternate routes through Europe, China, or Southeast Asian countries.
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that the charter flight plan remains under review. The process involves complex negotiations with local authorities, securing airspace clearance, and assessing runway conditions.
Minister Cho also provided an update on the number of South Koreans in the region, stating that approximately 17,000 nationals are currently in about 10 Middle Eastern countries, with roughly 3,300 of them being short-term visitors.
Most Commented