According to the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about 3,000 Finnish citizens are still in the Middle East, but there have been no reports of injuries among them and they are not facing any immediate crises. Despite the absence of acute danger, the uncertainty surrounding flight availability and the ongoing situation in the region has caused concern among those stranded. The ministry acknowledges the stress this prolonged apprehension brings to Finnish citizens in the area.

A repatriation flight is set to depart from Muscat, Oman to Helsinki on Sunday, with a limited capacity of 160 seats. The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received interest from about 350 Finnish citizens wishing to return, indicating a strong demand that exceeds available spots on the flight. Registration for this flight closed on Friday morning local Finnish time, and all applicants have been contacted to confirm their status and needs.

Priority for flight seats is being given to families with children and individuals in particularly vulnerable situations. The ministry is conducting an overall assessment of the situations of the registrants to ensure those most in need are accommodated. This process reflects the broader concern for the well-being of Finnish citizens abroad during uncertain times, and the government’s efforts to facilitate safe returns amid ongoing instability in the region.