KUALA LUMPUR: The operation to evacuate Malaysians from the Middle East conflict zone has been suspended following the reopening of airspace in most countries in the region.
The National Security Council (MKN) said the government will continue to provide assistance and facilitation in certain circumstances, particularly when security issues or emergency situations affect Malaysians.
“Malaysians wishing to return home are advised to book commercial flights as airspace in most countries has reopened and flights to Malaysia are operating,” said the Malaysian consulate-general in Dubai.
MKN said that for travel arranged through travel agencies or airlines, the primary responsibility for managing the journey and repatriating passengers lies with the respective service providers.
“The government always prioritises the safety and welfare of Malaysians abroad. In light of current developments in the Middle East, the Malaysian government places great emphasis on the safety of its citizens and is closely monitoring the security situation in the region,” it said.
Malaysians are also advised to follow travel advisories issued by the foreign ministry.
On March 11, a total of 163 Malaysians who were previously stranded in several Middle Eastern countries safely returned home via a special Malaysia Airlines flight in an evacuation operation.
On March 12, a further 179 people returned safely from Doha, Qatar. The total included 59 Malaysians who had been stranded, as well as residents of Qatar who had purchased their own tickets.
Other passengers, including Filipinos, Australians and other nationals, took connecting flights to their respective countries upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
On March 16, Wisma Putra stated that most Malaysians who were previously stranded at airports across the region have been assisted following the resumption of commercial flight operations and the continued coordination by Malaysian diplomatic missions.
Updates from Malaysian missions indicate that no Malaysians remain stranded because of disrupted flights in Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia.
