Uzbek carriers have operated 21 return flights from Medina and Jeddah, bringing home 4,948 passengers who had arrived in Saudi Arabia before February 28. Additionally, 235 people have been evacuated from Dubai (UAE), Gazeta.uz reports.
Airspace across several Middle Eastern countries has remained closed since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with attacks on targets in Israel and other regional states. Between February 28 and March 2, a total of 1,681 passengers were unable to depart from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Israel bound for Uzbekistan.
By order of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Ministry of Transport, together with resident airlines and foreign carriers, has developed concrete action plans. A round-the-clock operational headquarters has been established at the UzAviation Agency to coordinate these efforts, according to an official statement.
Given the rapidly evolving situation and taking into account agreements reached through negotiations with regional aviation authorities, specific requirements have been set for all airlines operating flights in the region. Effective March 2:
- All passenger flights between Uzbekistan and Middle Eastern countries are suspended;
- The Umrah pilgrimage program has been temporarily halted;
- Only repatriation (return) flights are permitted.
The Ministry of Transport reminded travelers that information regarding return flights should be obtained exclusively through official airline representatives. Authorities warned that in recent days, fraudulent "intermediaries" have become more active, falsely promising to organize evacuation flights to or from Uzbekistan.
Meanwhile, President Mirziyoyev has held telephone conversations with leaders of Gulf states affected by Iranian missile and drone strikes—launched in response to U.S. and Israeli military action—to discuss the situation and coordinate responses.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 4, 2026