Helsinki, March 5, 2026 – The Europe Today: Finland will organize a state-assisted repatriation flight from Oman to Helsinki to help Finnish citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates as the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to disrupt air travel across the Middle East.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced that the charter flight will depart from Muscat over the coming weekend. Seats on the flight will be available for purchase at an estimated cost of about €2,300 per passenger.
“Those Finns who wish to leave can buy a seat on this self-funded flight,” Valtonen said in a post on the social media platform X.
She explained that the high ticket price reflects a sharp rise in aviation insurance premiums and other operational costs linked to the deteriorating security situation in the region. Travelers may also incur additional expenses while arranging transport from the UAE to Oman.
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs noted that airlines and tour operators remain primarily responsible for assisting their customers. The repatriation flight is intended as an additional measure for those unable to return home through normal commercial routes.
Consular Chief Jussi Tanner said during a press briefing that the ministry has so far planned at least one repatriation flight. “The costs are around €2,300 per passenger, which is of course a lot of money,” he said, noting that rising insurance costs have significantly increased aviation expenses.
According to the ministry, approximately 3,000 Finnish citizens in Middle Eastern countries have submitted travel notifications. Of these, around 1,900 to 2,000 are currently in the United Arab Emirates, while about 60 are believed to be in Iran.
Tanner said it remains difficult to determine how many citizens intend to leave the region. “People’s intentions vary. There is quite a wide range,” he noted.
Travelers departing from the UAE will need to arrange their own transportation to Muscat. However, the ministry said it will assist with practical matters, including travel permits. Finnish passport holders are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at Oman’s border.
Speaking from Warsaw following an informal meeting with European counterparts, Valtonen said discussions focused on European security and the evolving situation in the Middle East. She warned that instability in the region could persist for an extended period.
President Alexander Stubb also confirmed that he had held a telephone conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the situation of Finnish citizens in the Emirates.
Further information regarding ticket sales and arrangements at Muscat airport will be communicated through the ministry’s official channels and directly to registered Finnish nationals in the UAE.
