Families reunited as chartered flight from Oman brings Irish citizens home

A government-chartered flight from Muscat, Oman, with a stop in Cairo landed at Dublin Airport carrying nearly 200 people, including children and infants. Officials described the journey as challenging and said more people have returned via commercial flights amid ongoing regional volatility.

A government-chartered flight from Muscat, Oman, that made a stop in Cairo arrived at Dublin Airport early Sunday, bringing nearly 200 people back to Ireland. The arrival followed delays and was described by officials as a challenging journey. The flight was organised to help vulnerable citizens caught up in recent hostilities in the region. Officials noted that hundreds more have returned to Ireland in recent days via commercial services. Key details: - The aircraft landed just before 5 a.m., several hours later than its scheduled midnight arrival. - The flight carried nearly 200 passengers, including children and infants, and had departed Muscat on Saturday with a stop in Cairo. - Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said the operation was challenging and welcomed the return of those on board. - Officials reported that about 1,500 people have returned in recent days and that roughly 24,000 Irish citizens are registered across the region; disruptions to scheduled Middle East flights remain ongoing and another flight was due to land at 6:55 p.m. on Sunday. Summary: The arrival reunited families and reflects the government’s effort to assist citizens amid escalating regional hostilities. More returns have taken place through commercial services, and further flight disruption is expected in the near term.