Bulgaria says evacuation flights for citizens in Middle East to begin early Wednesday

Riyadh, March 3, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky said the first evacuation flights for Bulgarians from airports in the Middle East will take place early on Wednesday.

Neynsky said around 300 people were evacuated on the first flight from Oman and that repatriation flights for Bulgarians in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are also forthcoming.

Bulgaria’s government said up to eight aircraft of varying capacity are on standby to carry out evacuation flights for its citizens from the region at short notice. It said more than 10,000 Bulgarians are currently in the Middle East.

The tourism ministry said around 1,400 organized tourists with tour operator programs are currently in countries across the region, with the largest number in Dubai, followed by Jordan. The ministry said ensuring the safety of Bulgarian citizens and enabling their timely return remains the priority.