As of the morning of March 10, 2026, a total of 25,047 Uzbek citizens have been evacuated to Uzbekistan from the escalation zone in the Middle East, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
In the past 24 hours alone, 3,335 people were brought home via organized flights. Evacuation efforts continue around the clock, coordinated by the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Transport, and Uzbek diplomatic missions abroad.
The majority of repatriates are arriving on direct flights from countries with active air connections:
|
Country |
Number of returnees |
Evacuation format |
|---|---|---|
|
Saudi Arabia |
21,017 |
Direct flights |
|
UAE |
3,555 |
Direct flights |
|
Qatar |
394 |
Via third countries |
|
Iran |
47 |
Via third countries |
|
Bahrain |
27 |
Via third countries |
|
Oman |
7 |
Via third countries |
According to the Ministry of Transport, the vast majority of those evacuated are tourists who were visiting the region on private trips. Also among the repatriates are labor migrants, students, and transit passengers.
Flights are operated by both Uzbek and foreign airlines acting in coordination with relevant authorities.
Since February 28, 2026 — when military actions began — airspace has remained closed over seven countries in the region as Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Israel.
This necessitates organizing evacuations through neighboring states with operational airports, increasing both the time and cost of logistics operations.
Uzbekistan's consular services in the region continue to assist citizens by:
- Registering evacuees through online platforms and hotlines;
- Providing information on safe exit routes;
- Assisting with temporary document issuance in case of lost passports;
- Escorting groups to departure points.
The Foreign Ministry urges compatriots remaining in the conflict zone to register promptly with consular offices and monitor official announcements regarding evacuation flight schedules.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 10, 2026