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Nepal Launches Rescue Flights for Citizens Stranded in UAE, Saudi Arabia

Nepal's government has authorized special Nepal Airlines flights to repatriate citizens stranded in the UAE and Saudi Arabia due to the regional conflict. The flights to Dubai and Dammam will operate from April 3 to 5, 2026. This decision follows the suspension of regular flights since late February because of security tensions in West Asia. The move comes shortly after a flight from Kuwait repatriated passengers and the bodies of nine deceased Nepali nationals.

Key Points: Nepal Rescue Flights for Citizens in UAE, Saudi Arabia

  • Special flights from April 3-5
  • Routes to Dubai and Dammam
  • Aid for stranded migrant workers
  • Flights suspended since February 28
2 min read

Nepal to operate special flights to UAE, Saudi Arabia to rescue stranded citizens

Nepal Airlines to operate special flights from April 3-5 to repatriate stranded citizens from Dubai and Dammam amid West Asia tensions.

"Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) will operate special flights... as per the initiative undertaken by Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Shisir Khanal. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs"

Kathmandu, April 2

Nepal's national flag carrier will operate special flights for three days to and from Dubai and Dammam targeting the Nepalese migrant and stranded nationals as the war in West Asia continues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release announcing that "Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) will operate special flights on the following sectors from 3 to 5 April 2026, as per the initiative undertaken by Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Shisir Khanal."

A meeting held on March 31 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with concerned authorities and the ministries made the decision to operate the special flight in the war-affected region, the release announced.

As per the ministry, the meeting deliberated on measures to facilitate the travel needs of Nepali nationals in the Gulf region and to ensure the continuity of essential air connectivity. Regular flights on the sectors of Dubai (UAE) and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) have remained suspended since 28 February 2026 due to the ongoing tensions and security situation in West Asia.

As per the flight details issued by the ministry, the national flag carrier with flight number RA 229 of 3 April will take off from Kathmandu to Dubai at 23:15 (Local Time). Similarly, the national flag carrier will return from Dubai to Kathmandu (RA230) 4:10 (Local Time) on 4 April.

The state-owned airlines will fly to Dammam (Saudi Arabia) at 8:30 (Local Time) on 5 April with the flight number RA 241, while it will return from Dammam the same day at 12:20 (Local Time), which has the flight number RA 242.

Earlier on 1 April, a Kuwait Airways flight landed in Gautam Buddha International Airport, Bhairahawa, carrying 291 passengers and the dead bodies of nine (9) Nepali citizens, who died in Kuwait due to reasons other than the currently unfolding situation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a responsible move by the Nepalese government. It's heartbreaking to read about the nine citizens who passed away in Kuwait. Conflicts have such a heavy human cost. My thoughts are with all the stranded workers and their families.
P
Priyanka N
The Gulf region employs so many from South Asia. When tensions rise, it's the migrant workers who suffer the most. Hope the flights are affordable for them. Jai Hind.
A
Aman W
Respect to Nepal for stepping up. But I have to ask, why did it take until April 3rd? Flights have been suspended since Feb 28th. That's over a month of uncertainty for their people. Timely action is crucial in such crises.
K
Kavya N
Seeing our neighbour take care of its citizens makes me proud. We share such strong cultural and people-to-people ties. Hope everyone reaches home safely. ❤️
M
Michael C
The logistical details are impressive – specific flight numbers and times. Shows proper planning. The mention of bringing back the deceased is very sobering. A grim but necessary part of such operations.

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