Amid attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, Japan is implementing an unprecedented large-scale evacuation plan for its nationals in the Middle East, while travelers are also being stranded due to canceled flights.
In response to the recent attacks on Iran orchestrated by the United States and Israel, the Japanese government has launched an unusually large-scale evacuation plan for its nationals located primarily in the Gulf region of the Middle East. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 7,000 Japanese nationals are currently residing in the region. The situation has been exacerbated by the continued flight cancellations at hub airports in the United Arab Emirates, resulting in not only residents but also numerous travelers being stranded and requiring assistance from the government. This operation represents what officials have termed 'the largest evacuation of Japanese nationals to date.'
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Kajiyama held a press conference on the 9th, where he assured that the government is addressing the concerns and inquiries from nationals and travelers stuck in the area with diligence. On the same day, charter flights facilitated by the Japanese government, aimed at returning its citizens to Narita Airport, began their operations. The evacuation efforts, which began on the 2nd of this month, involve transporting individuals from Israel to neighboring Jordan by bus, and subsequently to Oman or Saudi Arabia to be flown back home via chartered aircraft.
The unique aspect of this evacuation is that the government is providing these charter flights free of charge, an indication of the extraordinary circumstances that have arisen due to geopolitical tensions in the region. The situation continues to develop, and the government is under pressure to ensure the safety and timely return of its citizens amidst a highly unpredictable and dangerous environment.
