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Korean travelers stranded as Middle East turmoil hinders return plans
A canceled flight to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, is displayed at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 1, Monday, amid rising military tensions in the Middle East following U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
By Park Ung
Government steps up efforts to safeguard nationals in region
Korean travelers have been stranded at major Middle Eastern airports after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran prompted retaliation, leading to airspace closures and widespread flight cancellations across the region. As tensions mount, disruptions at key transit hubs have left passengers facing extended delays and uncertainties over safety and travel logistics.
U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have continued since Saturday, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial barrage. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in Middle Eastern countries, damaging civilian facilities including airports and hotels.
As of Monday, flights at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, the United Arab Emirates’ two main air transportation hubs, were suspended until further notice, with passengers told not to travel to the airport.
On Sunday, Zayed International Airport in the UAE said that the temporary closure of national airspace meant passengers should check with their airlines before setting out for the airport.
The lobby of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is largely empty, Sunday. AFP-Yonhap
Korean travelers to the region said on social media that they had been stranded at airports without warning, describing abruptly canceled flights and hours of uncertainty as they waited for updates.
“I was supposed to board a flight from Dubai to Turkey, but it was canceled because of the Iran-U.S. war. I’m stuck at Dubai airport,” one Korean user wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday.
“Why did it have to be today? I worked so hard to get this vacation,” another Korean user stranded at Dubai International Airport wrote on Instagram Sunday.
A Korean community group in Egypt said Monday that inquiries from tourists seeking ways home had surged since the previous day, with many turning to the Korean Embassy in Cairo for guidance.
The embassy is advising stranded travelers on alternative routes and visa matters. Koreans in Israel are set to evacuate to Egypt, where officials will support their entry and local transport.
An official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sunday that officials at headquarters and diplomatic missions across the region had been in close contact since the crisis began, working to monitor developments and assist Korean nationals.
The official added that about 60 Koreans remain in Iran and around 600 in Israel, including roughly 100 short-term visitors, with no Korean casualties reported as of Monday.
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho said Monday that the Korea Immigration Service would operate dedicated immigration counters at Incheon International Airport and deploy additional screening officers to expedite entry for returning Koreans and accompanying foreign nationals.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and will devote all administrative capacity to safeguarding our citizens and overseas Koreans,” Jung said.