The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed a government‑chartered repatriation flight from Muscat to the UK, departing at 23:00 local time (19:00 GMT) on Wednesday 4 March. Seats will prioritise vulnerable British nationals, and people should not travel to Muscat International Airport unless contacted directly by officials. (straitstimes.com)
Eligibility covers British nationals, their spouse or partner, and children under 18 travelling together. ITV reports FCDO guidance that non‑British dependants must hold a valid visa or permission to enter or remain in the UK granted for more than three months; in previous FCDO charters, non‑British immediate family were required to hold permission granted for more than six months. (itv.com)
Seat allocation will be communicated by the FCDO, with consular teams contacting those offered places. Ministers say officials are working with airlines and governments to expand capacity from Oman as conditions allow. (gov.uk)
Ministers told MPs that 130,000 British nationals have now registered for ‘Register Your Presence’ updates across affected countries. Those who registered their presence in the United Arab Emirates but are now in Oman have been asked to complete the relevant form urgently so they can be considered for the charter. (hansard.parliament.uk)
British Airways will operate a separate Muscat–Heathrow service for existing customers at 02:30 local time on Thursday 5 March, with further dates under review as airspace restrictions ease. BA continues to cancel services at several Gulf hubs and is consolidating capacity via Oman. (mediacentre.britishairways.com)
Travel advice remains restrictive. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Oman is not subject to the same advisory, but officials note heightened regional risks and disruption. (gov.uk)
For those considering departure from the UAE, official guidance flags a limited number of commercial options from the Emirates and from Oman. Travellers should not go to the airport without a confirmed booking; any movement should follow local instructions and is undertaken at personal risk. (gov.uk)
Passengers should check travel documentation now. British citizens, including dual nationals, are not eligible for the UK’s ETA scheme and must travel with a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to the right of abode; the Home Office confirmed enforcement from 25 February 2026. (questions-statements.parliament.uk)
Non‑British dependants should carry evidence of immigration status and proof of relationship. In previous operations the FCDO charged for seats and required non‑British immediate family to hold permission granted for more than six months; specific Oman arrangements will be confirmed directly when seats are offered. (gov.uk)
At the airport, consular teams are expected to use pre‑verified manifests and document checks to manage flows and prioritisation. Officials have asked travellers not to approach the terminal without an invitation to avoid congestion and delays. (itv.com)
Policy teams should note the insurance implications. FCDO pages warn that travelling against official advice can invalidate cover; organisations should pause non‑essential trips to countries under ‘against all but essential travel’ advisories and retain evidence for insurers. (gov.uk)
Further routes may open with little notice. The FCDO says it is working with airlines and regional authorities to create safe ways home and will issue updates via GOV.UK and email alerts. Registering presence and monitoring travel advice remain essential administrative steps. (gov.uk)