Wisma Putra working to evacuate Malaysians stranded in Middle East

2026-03-05 - 13:14

The foreign ministry urged Malaysians in the affected countries, including Iran, to stay vigilant. (EPA Images pic) PETALING JAYA: The foreign ministry is undertaking efforts to evacuate Malaysians who are stranded in the Middle East or who wish to return to Malaysia, following the suspension of flights and closure of airspace in parts of the region. Wisma Putra said Malaysians in the affected countries are “strongly urged to immediately register and update their contact details with the nearest Malaysian mission or via e-Konsular to facilitate the coordination of evacuation arrangements”. “The ministry expresses serious concern over the heightened escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and advises Malaysians to defer travel to countries affected by the conflict until further notice, including those intending to perform umrah. “Malaysians currently in the affected countries are urged to remain vigilant, avoid areas of military activity and public gatherings, and strictly adhere to instructions issued by local authorities,” it said. Earlier, Bloomberg reported that the number of cancelled flights to Middle East hubs has surpassed 23,000 since fighting began. Emirates extended its suspension of flights to Dubai through the end of Saturday, a full week since the US and Israel launched their joint attack, while Qatar Airways extended its service halts into Friday. Thousands of passengers have been stranded in the Gulf region, forcing many to take circuitous, expensive routes to reach functioning airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman.