NZDF Operated Evacuation Flights out of the Middle East

The New Zealand Government has announced it will send further consular surge teams to the Middle East and will pre-deploy two New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) planes so that they can be ready, when conditions allow, to assist with any civilian evacuation options.  It will take some days for arrangements to be put in place, and we cannot guarantee we will be able to provide assisted departures in all locations. NZDF aircraft will not be providing direct flights to New Zealand.  Flights would be to a location in the wider region where you will need to arrange your onward travel. 

Make sure your travel documents are up to date to date and in your possession.  Ensure your passport details are accurately recorded in SafeTravel, including passport number, date of birth, gender, place of birth, and New Zealand visa status.

We recognise that many New Zealanders will be in locations where it is still not possible or safe to depart. Our advice to these travellers remains to depart the region as soon as it is safe to do, using commercial airlines as services slowly resume in some countries. Please contact your airline or travel provider to confirm the status of your flights before departure and before you depart for the airport.  Look at options for alternative routes, if the most direct route is not available.  

The Ministry’s Emergency Crisis Centre continues to explore all options for how we can support New Zealanders who have been impacted by this conflict. 

We are also sharing advice and updates through our Facebook page. 

New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.