Governments across the Asia-Pacific region intensified evacuation operations on Tuesday as escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran triggered widespread airspace closures and left thousands of foreign nationals stranded.
China confirmed it has evacuated more than 3,000 citizens from Iran since the conflict escalated, organizing land and air departures as security conditions deteriorated.
India repatriated 149 passengers and eight crew members on an Air India flight from the United Arab Emirates the first Indian carrier to land in New Delhi since Middle Eastern airspace disruptions began. Indian authorities said further evacuation arrangements are being coordinated as commercial routes remain suspended.
Pakistan has evacuated more than 650 nationals from Iran over the past two days, with additional convoys being arranged amid ongoing border and flight restrictions.
Australia said around 115,000 Australians are currently in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the government is working with airlines to assist citizens seeking to leave, but warned that evacuation efforts remain challenging while much of the region’s airspace stays closed.
The Philippine News Agency reported that Manila is preparing food, temporary shelter, and financial support for Filipino workers affected by the conflict, particularly those stranded in Gulf transit hubs.
Indonesia confirmed that more than 100 of its citizens are stuck at Hamad International Airport in Doha, with dozens or possibly hundreds more stranded in Dubai and other Gulf cities. Authorities have urged heightened vigilance for flights operating to or through the region.
South Korea has activated an emergency response team to monitor developments and support evacuation planning for its nationals, while closely coordinating with diplomatic missions in affected areas.
With air and maritime routes across the Middle East severely disrupted, governments throughout Asia-Pacific are racing to secure safe passage for their citizens as the conflict shows no immediate signs of easing.
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