On Saturday morning, Israel and the United States began airstrikes on Iran in response to retaliatory attacks on targets in Israel and U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf. As a direct consequence, several countries in the region have closed their airspace to civilian flights, causing thousands of flights to be canceled—including routes to and from Israel and the United Arab Emirates—leaving tourists stranded in airports and hotels. The situation has prompted urgent appeals from the Polish government regarding the safe return of its citizens in the affected regions.

At a recent press conference, Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Maciej Wewiór provided updates on Polish citizens currently in the conflict zone, reassuring that there are no reports of any Polish national suffering from military activities in the Middle East. He confirmed that all organized groups of Polish tourists—approximately 200 individuals—have left Israel via land routes through Egypt and they've been received by staff in Egypt. While flights from Egypt are continuing, he noted increasing issues with capacity, suggesting that more challenges may arise as the situation unfolds.

As the conflict escalates, the Polish government is attempting to facilitate the safe return of its citizens and is advising travel agencies to assist in this matter. The ministry is monitoring the situation closely, and while they have established a framework for returning citizens, the implications of the ongoing military engagements may require additional measures as the geopolitical situation develops further, impacting not only Poles abroad but potentially international travel dynamics overall.