The Finnish Foreign Ministry is organizing a repatriation flight for Finnish citizens currently in the United Arab Emirates, scheduled to likely depart on March 8. According to officials, priority will be given to families with children and those in vulnerable situations as there are many citizens in need of assistance. The flight is projected to accommodate around 155–160 passengers, but demand has far exceeded availability, with 600 individuals having already expressed interest in returning home.

Jussi Tanner, the director of the consular services, stated that while they are considering the possibility of additional flights due to the high demand, their current budget constraints only allow for a single flight. If the Ministry wishes to arrange more flights, a political decision will be necessary to allocate further resources. The situation is described as challenging, highlighting the need for governmental support to assist all citizens wishing to return during this difficult time.

Travelers are required to cover the cost of their repatriation, which amounts to €2,300 for the flight, along with an additional charge of just under €100 for the bus transfer. Tanner emphasized that the high costs are primarily driven by insurance premiums, and the self-paying model adheres to existing consular service regulations. As the Ministry navigates budgetary limitations and humanitarian needs, the situation underscores the complexities faced by governments in providing assistance during crises.