The UK government is working with commercial airlines to increase the number of flights leaving Oman, as it moves to prioritise the evacuation of vulnerable British nationals from the region. 

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament on Tuesday that officials were coordinating closely with airlines to boost capacity out of Muscat, amid heightened regional instability.

Cooper said she is in regular contact with counterparts across the Gulf, where around 130,000 British citizens have now registered their presence with UK authorities.

“We are also working with airlines on increasing capacity out of Muscat for British nationals, with priority for vulnerable nationals,” she said.

The Foreign Office confirmed that a government-chartered flight is scheduled to depart Muscat in the coming days, focusing on those most at risk. Officials stressed that British nationals in Oman should not travel to the airport unless they are contacted directly by the Foreign Office with instructions.

In a further update, the Foreign Office said the charter flight is expected to leave Muscat at 1900 GMT on Wednesday.

Separately, British Airways, owned by International Airlines Group, announced it will operate an additional commercial service from Muscat to Heathrow Airport on Thursday.

The government has urged British citizens in the region to remain alert, follow official guidance, and ensure their contact details are up to date as evacuation plans continue to evolve. Photo by Sebbe xy, Wikimedia commons.