The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is arranging a repatriation flight for Finnish citizens currently staying in the United Arab Emirates. According to Jussi Tanner, the head of consular affairs, the flight is scheduled to depart from Oman on Sunday and is intended for those who registered their travel plans with the ministry. Out of 600 interested individuals, only approximately 155 to 160 can be accommodated on this flight, which presents a significant challenge due to high demand and limited resources.

The cost of the flight has been set at 2,300 euros, mainly attributed to rising insurance premiums, as explained by Tanner. To assist those who registered their interest, the Foreign Ministry has already sent out queries to gauge demand for the flight. The ministry currently has the budget for only one flight, emphasizing the necessity of managing resources efficiently. Tanner reassured that there will be no additional costs imposed on passengers for the repatriation flight.

In line with Finnish consular law, the responsibility for evacuation or repatriation rests primarily with the individual traveler. However, if needed, the ministry may provide a repayment commitment to assist those in financial difficulty. This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by citizens abroad during a time of uncertainty, as demand for repatriation flights continues to exceed available capacity, necessitating careful planning and support from the government.