Bulgaria is set to launch evacuation flights on Wednesday to repatriate citizens stranded in the Middle East amid escalating conflict, officials said.
The first flight is scheduled to depart for Oman and is expected to carry around 300 Bulgarian nationals. Subsequent flights will collect citizens from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister said detailed lists of citizens eligible for evacuation have been prepared by country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining constant contact with Bulgarians on the ground through phone calls and messages to coordinate safe transfers to airports.
Authorities urged citizens in conflict-affected areas to stay in secure locations, avoid risky overland travel, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
The evacuation comes amid the fourth day of the regional conflict, which has seen U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting growing concern for foreign nationals in the region.