Latvian airline airBaltic will operate a third repatriation flight from Dubai to Riga on Saturday, March 7th, as hundreds of Latvian nationals remain in the Middle East.
airBaltic Announces Third Repatriation Flight
The third repatriation flight, designated BT7756, will depart from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) at 19:20 Dubai local time. Detailed information is available here.
airBaltic is operating the first two flights from Dubai to Riga on March 6th, organized by the Latvian government. More than 800 Latvian nationals are currently in the Middle East, preventing immediate evacuation for all.
The Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with European Union member states, is also exploring options for citizens in other Middle Eastern countries, including Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
“As the security situation in the region is unstable, we strongly urge citizens to follow the announcements of local official media regarding changes in the security situation, as well as to follow the instructions of local authorities,” said the Ministry.
Airspace over most Middle Eastern countries remains closed, with exceptions for Oman, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia (with interruptions), due to American-Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory missile strikes. Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports are currently operating with a limited number of flights, and schedules are subject to change based on the security situation. Travelers are advised not to go to the airports unless their departure time has been individually confirmed by the airline.
Latvian nationals can travel by land from Israel to Egypt via the Taba border crossing, with connecting flights to Europe available from Taba Airport. Alternatively, travel by land from Israel to Jordan is possible via the Aqaba border crossing, where Arkia has begun flights to Athens. Information on ticket availability can be found on airline websites.
A limited number of flights from Ben Gurion Airport to several European cities may resume over the weekend, operated by Israeli airlines.
Latvians in the Middle East are encouraged to review travel warnings on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. In emergency situations, the Consular Department can be reached 24/7 at +371 26337711 or via email: [email protected].
The consular register lists 812 nationals registered for short-term trips to the United Arab Emirates, 26 to Israel, 14 to Oman, 28 to Qatar, 16 to Saudi Arabia, 8 to Kuwait (traveling to Saudi Arabia), and 6 to Bahrain (traveling to Saudi Arabia).
More information is available at https://www.mfa.gov.lv.
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