Consular Update from Minister McEntee

Consular Update from Minister McEntee

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 6 March 2026
• Last updated on: 6 March 2026

An intensive consular support operation is ongoing for citizens across the Gulf and elsewhere who have been impacted by the current conflict.

More than 18,000 citizens across the Gulf have registered with us since last weekend.

I am pleased that daily flights have been possible from Dubai to Dublin. A flight will land this evening at Dublin airport, the third in as many days. For those in the region who want to leave, they should use commercial options, where possible. This gradual resumption of commercial activity is very welcome.

Several hundred calls were made directly to citizens in the last number of days to confirm arrangements for our assisted departure flight from Oman. Passengers for this flight travelled to Oman this morning supported by our Embassy teams on the ground.

Due to the highly challenging operational context for aviation in the region, the departure planned for this evening is now due to depart for Dublin on Saturday afternoon. The overnight hotel costs for the passengers in Oman will be met by the Department.

I am aware that there are citizens in other countries across the region, including Qatar and Kuwait, who wish to leave. We are in direct contact with many of these citizens to explain what options may become available.

I am also aware that some citizens have been stranded in other parts of the world due to flight cancellations in the Gulf. We would encourage these citizens to make direct contact with their airlines or travel agents with regard to identifying alternative routes and to make contact with our Consular Crisis Centre where our staff can assist in emergency circumstances.