41 Icelanders Evacuated From Middle East Conflict Zone

2026-03-10 - 11:45

Icelandic authorities say dozens of citizens have been helped to leave the Middle East following the outbreak of conflict in the region. As reported by RÚV, evacuation efforts continuing through coordinated flights and consular support. What's the Story? Contact with 218 Icelandic citizens in the Middle East by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland since the outbreak of conflict 41 Icelanders evacuated on organised flights with assistance from authorities; 68 departed independently About 90 Icelanders remaining in the region, many living in the United Arab Emirates; eight cases under review, mostly involving citizens in Foreign Minister of Iceland, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain. Citizens assisted abroad The Civil Service of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland has been in contact with 218 Icelanders in the region since hostilities began. According to officials, 120 people have already departed the area. Speaking about the operation, Þurý Björk Björgvinsdóttir, Head of Civil Service at the ministry, said: “41 Icelanders have made it out via organized rescue flights provided by our flight team and the Civil Protection Department, 68 people have made it out on their own and about 90 people do not intend to go anywhere.” Tehran, Iran. Photo: Amir Pashaei. Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain. Authorities said many of those remaining in the region live in the United Arab Emirates and do not intend to leave. Assistance has included providing travel guidance and helping citizens find available transport options. Eight cases remain under active review, most involving Icelanders believed to be in Iran. Communication has been challenging due to limited internet connectivity, and officials have in some instances relied on contact with relatives in Iceland. Þurý said the evacuation process has moved quickly since the first requests were received. “The first call for a rescue flight was received on Wednesday, and we immediately managed to get our people on board those first flights.”