A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules departed Auckland this morning as the Government increases contingency planning for a possible evacuation of New Zealanders from the Middle East.
Speaking from Auckland’s Whenuapai Airbase, Defence Minister Judith Collins stated that one Hercules was scheduled to abandon Auckland today, while a second aircraft, currently in South Korea, would be redeployed to the Middle East.
Collins described the situation in the region as “dangerous and complex”, noting the New Zealand Defence Force had been conducting “extensive” preparation work. She added that personnel and aircraft may demand to remain deployed for several weeks if an evacuation is triggered.
Collins would not confirm the routes the aircraft would take or the bases they might operate from, citing operational sensitivities.
New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates were contacted overnight and asked about their plans and current circumstances.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the events in the region were “swift-moving, dangerous and complex”. He stated the Government’s “primary focus is on assisting New Zealanders in the region to the extent possible in this very challenging security environment”.
Peters added that the Government could not be sure when or how civilian evacuations might occur, but that “we want to be ready if and when conditions on the ground make them possible”.
All New Zealanders in the Middle East were urged to register on SafeTravel.
Emirates has resumed its full New Zealand network of flights as airspace begins to reopen in the Middle East, with inbound and outbound services between Christchurch and Dubai resuming today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What action has the New Zealand Government taken regarding citizens in the Middle East?
The Government has deployed a C-130J Hercules aircraft from Auckland, with a second aircraft being redeployed from South Korea, to prepare for a possible evacuation of New Zealanders.
What is the current situation in the Middle East, according to the New Zealand Government?
The situation is described as “dangerous and complex” and “fast-moving”, with events unfolding in a “very challenging security environment”.
Who should New Zealanders in the Middle East contact?
New Zealanders in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have been contacted by officials, and all New Zealanders in the Middle East are urged to register on SafeTravel.
As the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain, what factors might influence the decision to initiate an evacuation of New Zealand citizens?
