The Swedish Foreign Ministry has organized a chartered flight to bring home some of the Swedish citizens stranded in Dubai. The flight, which departed at 17:30 local time on Saturday, is carrying 176 individuals, largely consisting of children and their parents. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard confirmed to the public that, despite previous estimates suggesting 180 passengers, some seats went unfilled due to last-minute cancellations. There are also a few Finnish citizens on board, as the ministry attempted to maximize the passenger capacity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reached out to over 1,200 individuals, prioritizing families with young children and those with urgent medical needs. As the situation unfolds, media reports indicate disarray at the airport, with passengers expressing frustration regarding flight delays and confusion about boarding. One Swedish citizen, identified as Benjamin, mentioned to Aftonbladet that the flight encountered issues, highlighting the logistical challenges faced during repatriation efforts.

The plane is scheduled to touch down at Arlanda Airport on Sunday morning, depending on the completion of the flight to Hurghada, Egypt, for a scheduled layover. This operation underscores the efforts made by the Swedish government to facilitate the safe return of its citizens amid ongoing uncertainties, reflecting the challenges of international travel and emergency response in times of crisis.