Like most European countries, Belgium is also busy organizing the repatriation of Belgians stranded in the Middle East due to the military escalation in Iran. Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) is working closely with Minister of Defense Theo Francken (N-VA) to this end.

There are currently almost 26,000 Belgians in the affected region, including nearly 2,500 tourists. The cost of military transport to a safe neighboring country in the Middle East, from which you will then have to arrange your return trip to Belgium yourself, will be charged to travelers.

Focus on stranded tourists

Most Belgian tourists are currently stranded in Qatar and Dubai, tourist destinations and transit hubs whose international airports have been virtually shut down due to the conflict. According to Prévot, requests for consular assistance are therefore mainly coming from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

The focus is currently primarily on stranded tourists who have registered with Travelers Online, the website of the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs.

Even if Belgium were to send military aircraft to the region, “we simply do not have the equipment to repatriate several thousand people in a matter of days.”

Complex situation

It may take several days before the military aircraft evacuation can begin. The airspace above the affected areas must be cleared, and there are also enormous logistical challenges. “I understand the annoyance and impatience of our compatriots, but the situation is particularly complex. Our services are doing what they can,” says Prévot.

Belgium is working with Luxembourg and other partners in the operation. Around 30 Belgians currently stranded in Oman will fly back to Belgium on Wednesday evening.

The repatriation is being carried out with the assistance of the Luxembourg government. Five Belgians returned from Oman on Tuesday evening on a KLM flight from the Netherlands.

The Ministry of Defense is providing three aircraft: two A400M transport aircraft, each with approximately 100 passengers, and one Airbus A330 MRTT, with approximately 250 seats.

Buses to Riyadh

It is not yet clear when the other evacuations will take place. According to Prévot, a ceasefire, “even if only temporary,” could be sufficient to enable safe repatriation. “I have made this case to my European colleagues and to the United States.”

However, if the security situation allows, the first buses carrying Belgians will leave Doha on Thursday evening for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From there, they can fly to Belgium on a commercial flight.

Buses will also depart from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Muscat, Oman, starting Friday. They may then be able to travel on a military flight, although they are also encouraged to arrange their own return flights.

Currently, 374 Belgians have registered for repatriation by bus from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Muscat, followed by air transport to Hurghada, in Egypt. In Qatar, 36 Belgians have registered so far.

Repatriation costs

In the meantime, an emergency number has been set up for affected Belgians to call, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is keeping them informed of all developments.

In accordance with Belgian consular law, the costs of repatriation will be charged to the travelers at a reasonable rate. They will be informed of this in advance. Belgium will not charter commercial flights.