Leavitt: US working to charter flights for Americans in Mideast
TL;DR
The U.S. is coordinating evacuation flights for Americans in the Middle East amid tensions, with challenges like airport closures and criticism over delayed response. Over 130 Americans have been evacuated from Israel, but safety of routes is not guaranteed.
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Leavitt: US working to charter flights for Americans in Mideast
U.S. Secures Evacuation Flights for Americans in Middle East Amid Regional Tensions
The U.S. Department of State is coordinating military and charter flights to evacuate American citizens from the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions following the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. A State Department official confirmed efforts to secure evacuation options, stating the agency is in contact with nearly 3,000 U.S. citizens across the region. In Israel alone, approximately 500 Americans have sought departure assistance, with over 130 already evacuated and an additional 100 expected to leave soon.
However, the evacuation process has faced significant challenges. Major Gulf aviation hubs, including Dubai International Airport, remain closed, stranding tens of thousands of passengers and driving up airfare prices. The State Department initially urged citizens to depart via commercial transportation without offering government-assisted options, prompting criticism from lawmakers. U.S. lawmakers condemned the delayed response as evidence of inadequate planning, noting the lack of available flights and the absence of guaranteed safety for evacuees.
The conflict has also disrupted global markets. Crude oil benchmarks surged 7% on March 3, extending gains as regional instability heightened supply concerns. Meanwhile, the State Department activated an inter-agency task force and launched a dedicated WhatsApp channel with 15,000 followers to manage the crisis. However, it has not confirmed plans for government-operated evacuation flights, leaving many stranded travelers to seek private solutions.
For now, the State Department emphasizes that it cannot guarantee the safety of departure routes, including Israeli Ministry of Tourism-operated shuttles to Egypt. As the situation evolves, the financial and logistical impacts of the crisis—ranging from elevated travel costs to geopolitical risks—will likely remain a focal point for investors and policymakers.
