First repatriation flight from Middle East lands in UK as passengers report chaotic scenes

• The first UK government-chartered flight evacuating British nationals from the Middle East landed at London Stansted Airport, nearly a day late due to technical issues.
• The flight departed Oman's capital, Muscat, late on Thursday night and arrived at Stansted at 00:53 GMT on Friday.
• The evacuation follows escalating regional tensions after US-Israeli strikes on Iran led to retaliatory attacks, disrupting flights across several Middle Eastern countries.
• Passengers reported chaotic scenes, uncertainty, and significant delays during the evacuation process, with some struggling to secure seats or facing eligibility issues for family members.
• Over 140,000 British nationals in the Gulf registered for government assistance, though officials noted that commercial routes remain the quickest way for most to return home.

IN FULL

British couple describe sheltering in Dubai car park as first repatriation flight from Middle East lands in London