Original Source
Middle East Instability: UAE, Saudi Residents Evacuated on Japanese Charter Flight, Including Koreans
Repatriation of Residents Amid Worsening Middle East Tensions
In response to the deteriorating Middle East situation, Japanese and Korean nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have returned home via charter flights arranged by the Japanese government. On March 11, a charter flight departing from Dubai, UAE, carried 276 Japanese nationals to Haneda Airport. Subsequently, another charter flight from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, safely arrived at Narita Airport with 160 Japanese nationals and 12 Koreans and their families, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Relief Among Repatriated Residents
Repatriated residents described the tense situation they faced locally, expressing a sense of relief. One returnee, in an interview, mentioned their anxiety about the threat of missile attacks in the Middle East, stating, "The missiles were close, visible to the eye." They further expressed, "I am very relieved and happy to be back in safe Japan." This charter flight evacuation is seen as part of efforts to protect citizens and foreign nationals from the unstable situation in the Middle East.
*Source: YouTube: Kyodo News (2026-03-11)*
