Germany is preparing a large‑scale evacuation effort as the Middle East conflict leaves tens of thousands of tourists stranded across the region. With airspace closures following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attacks, an estimated 30,000 German nationals have been unable to leave.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany will deploy civilian aircraft to Saudi Arabia and Oman, two countries whose airspace remains open, to begin evacuating the most vulnerable travellers. He confirmed ongoing discussions with national carrier Lufthansa to coordinate the flights. “The safety of our citizens is our top priority,” he said.
Crisis response teams have already been dispatched to Muscat, Doha and Dubai to assess evacuation routes, including possible overland options. German embassy staff in Cairo are assisting travellers attempting to cross into Egypt from Israel.
The situation is especially dire for around 5,000 passengers stuck aboard two cruise ships in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Travellers have described rising anxiety, with one tourist saying they were not allowed to disembark. “We are well looked after, but I don’t feel safe,” she said.
TUI Cruises said it is working closely with airlines to arrange return journeys, but the rapidly shifting security situation and limited flight availability have made planning difficult.
As the conflict continues to ripple across borders, Germany’s evacuation mission is expected to expand in the coming days, with officials warning that the situation remains highly unpredictable.
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