AKIPRESS.COM - The Ministry of Transport has released an official update on the ongoing efforts to return citizens stranded in the Middle East due to recent military conflicts and widespread airspace closures in the region, Kun.uz reported.

Local air carriers have executed 22 repatriation flights to date, bringing home thousands of compatriots.

The crisis began on 28 February, when the airspace of ten countries was restricted, leading to the cancellation of all scheduled flights from Uzbekistan to major hubs including Dubai, Sharjah, Medina, Jeddah, Doha, Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Kuwait City.

Data provided by the Ministry of Transport reveals that 1,681 Uzbek citizens were unable to depart from the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel following the sudden suspension of air travel. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported receiving a total of 2,144 requests for assistance from nationals across the Middle East.

Following an urgent directive from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with domestic and international airlines, activated a strategic repatriation plan. Coordination is being managed by a 24-hour specialized task force established under the Civil Aviation Agency.

Repatriation efforts have prioritized regions with the highest concentration of citizens, particularly those on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.