Seoul: UAE commercial flights to South Korea are expected to begin as early as Friday, announced Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. This development comes as a relief for Korean citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to recent flight disruptions caused by escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun made these comments during a parliamentary session, emphasizing that the South Korean government is taking all possible measures to repatriate approximately 3,000 nationals currently stuck in the UAE. The disruptions have primarily affected Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where major airports are experiencing operational restrictions as a result of Iran's actions.

Cho revealed that he had a discussion with the UAE foreign minister, requesting the resumption of direct commercial flights to Incheon, South Korea's main international gateway. The flights, operated by South Korea's flag carrier, are anticipated to run once daily, facilitating the return of stranded citizens.

In addition to commercial flight arrangements, Cho mentioned that the South Korean government is preparing to send a chartered plane to the region if necessary. This plan was considered alongside potential chartered flights to Muscat, Oman, due to the ongoing restrictions in the UAE.

Currently, an estimated 21,000 South Korean nationals reside across ten Middle Eastern countries, highlighting the scale of the repatriation effort. With the UAE's cooperation, South Korea is set to alleviate the travel challenges faced by its citizens in the region.