The Estonian Ministry is responding to the needs of citizens stranded in the Middle East by organizing additional flights to facilitate their safe return home. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced that the first flight from Muscat Airport will depart Friday at 19:00 local time, marking a significant step in a recent initiative to assist Estonian nationals in the region. The ministry has successfully coordinated with airlines Heston Airlines, Fly Dubai, and airBaltic to manage these flights, which aim to relieve families and health-affected individuals primarily.

In addition to the flight from Muscat, two more flights will leave from Dubai on the same Friday. The first will depart from Al Maktoum Airport at 19:50, followed by another from Dubai International Airport at 21:10. Notably, one of these Dubai flights will land in Riga, where passengers will then be transported by bus to Estonia, reflecting a logistical effort to ensure safe and efficient transport amidst ongoing complexities related to air travel in the region. Tsahkna emphasized the importance of monitoring the situation closely, especially given the unpredictability of previous flight arrangements, urging caution in expressing relief until all passengers have successfully returned home.

Despite the organization of these flights, Tsahkna conveyed a message of cautious optimism, highlighting that previous cancellations leave a sense of uncertainty. He expressed that joy should only be felt when people have safely landed back in Estonia, underscoring the inherent challenges in conducting air travel during such volatile times. This initiative is seen as an essential governmental action to support Estonian citizens, reinforcing the need for vigilant preparation amid ongoing developments in the Middle East.