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Monday 23/02/2026

UK Plans Charter Flights for Nationals Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

UK charter flights evacuating nationals from Israel
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The UK plans to charter flights for British nationals from Israel once airspace reopens amid the Israel-Iran conflict.
  • Foreign Secretary David Lammy is coordinating with Israeli authorities to facilitate these flights based on demand.
  • British nationals are advised to register their presence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories for further guidance.
  • Talks in Geneva involving Iran and Western diplomats aim to negotiate a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute.
  • Other countries, including Australia and China, are also evacuating their citizens from the region.

The UK government is preparing to charter flights to evacuate British nationals from Israel as soon as the country's airspace reopens, according to Foreign Secretary David Lammy. This move comes in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which has seen both nations exchange airstrikes over the past week.

Coordinated Evacuation Efforts

Lammy confirmed that the UK is working closely with Israeli authorities to arrange flights from Tel Aviv airport. The number of flights will depend on demand, with priority given to those who are temporary residents, such as holidaymakers and business travelers. British nationals are urged to register their presence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories by providing their email and UK passport number to receive updates on the evacuation process.

Diplomatic Talks in Geneva

Amidst these evacuation efforts, Lammy is also participating in crucial talks in Geneva with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The discussions, which include top diplomats from the EU, Germany, and France, aim to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the nuclear dispute. "A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution," Lammy stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

International Evacuations

The UK is not alone in its evacuation efforts. Australia is repatriating approximately 1,500 nationals from Iran and 1,200 from Israel, while China has evacuated over 1,600 citizens from Iran. India and Japan are also preparing to evacuate their nationals from the conflict zones. Meanwhile, land routes out of Israel remain open, and UK staff are on hand to assist British nationals crossing borders, providing transportation to nearby airports.

Humanitarian Impact

The conflict, which began on June 13 when Israel launched attacks on Iran to prevent nuclear weapon development, has resulted in significant casualties. At least 24 people in Israel and 657 in Iran have been killed, with hundreds more wounded. Despite the violence, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As the situation unfolds, the success of the UK's evacuation efforts will largely depend on the reopening of Israeli airspace and the safety of travel routes. The ongoing Geneva talks could potentially ease tensions if a diplomatic agreement is reached, but the window for negotiation is narrow. The international community will be closely monitoring these developments, as any escalation could have broader geopolitical implications. Experts suggest that a resolution to the nuclear dispute could stabilize the region, but achieving consensus among the involved parties remains a formidable challenge.