The UK Government is preparing what could become the largest UK mass evacuation Middle East operation in a generation after missile attacks linked to Iran forced widespread airport closures across the Gulf.
At least 94,000 Britons in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring states have now registered with the Foreign Office. At the same time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says around 200,000 UK nationals may be in the wider region.
🇬🇧 The UK is preparing contingency plans to evacuate citizens from the Middle East if regional airspace remains closed amid escalating Israel-US strikes on Iran, per The Times.
PM Keir Starmer says ~200,000 Britons are in the region. Over 94,000 have registered with the Foreign…
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) March 2, 2026
Flights from major hubs, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, were grounded over the weekend following reported Iranian strikes, prompting urgent contingency planning in London.
The crisis matters because the Gulf acts as a major travel gateway for UK holidaymakers and business travellers, particularly those returning from Asia and Australia.
Why is the UK planning a mass evacuation from the Middle East?
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) moved to crisis footing after:
- Iranian-linked missile attacks disrupted airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Nearly four in five departures from Dubai International were grounded as of Sunday morning
- Airspace restrictions spread across parts of the Gulf
- Regional tensions escalated rapidly with warnings of further retaliation
The FCDO now advises against all travel to Iran and Iraq, warning of “fast-moving and unpredictable” events. It also advises against travel to most parts of Lebanon due to ongoing Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is convening British ambassadors from across the Gulf, including Qatar and the UAE, to coordinate potential evacuation plans. She is expected to address the crisis publicly after discussions with G7 counterparts and the US Secretary of State.
A senior government source described the situation as requiring “serious contingency planning on a scale not seen in recent years.”
How many Britons are currently affected?
Downing Street estimates that around 200,000 British nationals may be in the Middle East region at present, including tourists, business travellers and long-term expats.
So far:
| Category | Estimated Number | Source | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered with FCDO (UAE & Gulf) | 94,000 | Foreign Office | Weekend update |
| Total UK nationals in the region | ~200,000 | Prime Minister | Sunday statement |
| Dubai departures grounded | ~80% | Airport data | Sunday morning |
The registration figure suggests that over half of Britons in the region may not yet be formally accounted for, increasing the urgency of Government messaging.
The Foreign Office has urged UK nationals in Israel, Bahrain, Palestine, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait to register immediately for alerts and guidance.
What evacuation options is the Government considering?
Officials are assessing several routes if airspace closures continue:
- Overland transfers by coach from the UAE into Saudi Arabia.
- Chartered civilian aircraft departing from Saudi airports.
- Coordination with regional carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways.
- Possible RAF logistical support if commercial routes remain suspended.
The Government remains in contact with Gulf airlines on a rolling four-hour basis.
If executed at full scale, the operation would exceed last year’s evacuation of several thousand Britons during Israel–Iran missile exchanges.
What are Britons on the ground reporting?
Several well-known UK figures have publicly voiced concern. Cricket coach Jonny Bairstow, currently in Dubai with his family, posted on social media asking: “Can you get us home???”
Broadcaster Richard Keys and media personality Kate Ferdinand have also shared fears about being stranded.
Kate Ferdinand wrote online: “We are safe. We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight; last night was very scary.”
Human rights lawyer Ivon Sampson, who lives in Dubai, told UK media that many in the British expat community fear a prolonged conflict could trap them in the region. Another British resident reported hearing repeated loud booms and seeing missile interceptions in the sky.
How serious is the risk of escalation?
The Foreign Office states there is a “risk of further escalation” and warns that the situation could change quickly.
The Gulf region serves as a crucial transit corridor for UK travellers. Dubai alone handles millions of UK-linked passenger journeys each year. Extended disruption would affect:
- Summer holidaymakers
- Business travellers
- UK-based families awaiting returning relatives
- Travel insurers and tour operators
If airspace restrictions last beyond several days, political pressure for direct Government-led evacuation flights is likely to intensify.
