Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
7. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the flight costs to her Department as a result of the recent evacuation scenarios in the Middle East; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22621/26]
View answerA very significant consular support operation is ongoing for citizens across the Gulf and the Middle East impacted by the current conflict. My Department has provided direct consular assistance to more than 2,700 citizens, as well as broader travel advice and guidance to many thousands more.
My Department's approach to the provision of consular assistance to those who wished to leave the region throughout this period centred on two primary axes. First, to pursue all possible options to facilitate Irish citizens on the limited number of flights still in operation and to request that direct routes to Dublin from the Gulf would resume, as soon as it was safe to do so. And second, in parallel, there was a clear focus on identifying and delivering repatriation options for Irish citizens, both through Government charters and those of our EU partners.
I would like to recognise the excellent cooperation we have had with all relevant partners in these efforts.
As you might be aware, my Department organised two repatriation flights, which departed from Muscat on 7 March and from Abu Dhabi on 11 March. These flights assisted the return of 380 Irish citizens and their families to Ireland, with a focus on those must vulnerable or stranded in transit.
Ireland activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for both our charter flights.
As was the case during the COVID crisis, and in line with most EU partners and the UK, citizens were asked to make a contribution towards the cost of the repatriation flights. The cost per passenger was calculated to a formula representing half the unit seat cost of the overall flight on the basis that the plane was full of paying passengers. This cost was set at €800 for the first charter, and €500 for the second, with no charge for children under 16.
The Department undertook to meet all remaining costs, including, in the case of the flight from Oman, those incurred for the complex transfer from Dubai to Muscat, security and medical support, and an overnight hotel stay for citizens, when operational difficulties arose.
A reconciliation of invoices is ongoing to arrive at the true financial position for both flights. When this process is complete, I can assure you that the total cost for each repatriation flight, including the total passenger and EU contribution, will be made available.
My Department, including officials working in embassies across the region, continues to closely monitor the security and political situation, and stands ready to provide consular assistance to all those that request it.
