UK EVACUATION FLIGHT DELAYED IN OMAN – Technical issue halts charter flight for Britons
A UK government-chartered evacuation flight for British nationals in the Middle East has been delayed in Oman.
The aircraft was scheduled to depart from Muscat on Wednesday evening, but remained on the ground this morning.
The Foreign Office says the flight could not leave as planned due to technical issues and is now expected to depart later today. Officials say they are continuing to work with airlines to assist around 130,000 Britons who have registered their presence in the region amid rising tensions.
Some commercial flights from the Middle East have been delayed or cancelled, although others — including services from Riyadh — have arrived in London as scheduled.
Government minister Alex Norris said delays in boarding passengers also contributed to the disruption. However, critics have claimed that the evacuation efforts had been turned into a “comedy sketch.”
Authorities say further flights may follow as efforts continue to bring British nationals home safely.
