Nepal to study possibility of resuming air flights to Middle East amid rising security concerns for Nepali workers

KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has decided to study the feasibility of operating air flights to the Middle East as thousands of Nepali citizens remain stranded or face growing security concerns due to escalating regional conflict.

The decision was taken during the second meeting of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), chaired by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal.

The government formed the ERT following intensifying hostilities in the region after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which subsequently triggered missile and drone attacks targeting locations across Gulf and Middle Eastern countries. The rapidly deteriorating security environment has heightened concerns about the safety of Nepali migrant workers and travelers across the region.

Study on Air Connectivity for Stranded Nepalis

During the meeting, officials decided to examine the possibility of operating special air flights to assist Nepali nationals who are currently stranded in transit due to flight suspensions across several Middle Eastern air corridors.

According to officials, the disruption of international aviation routes has left many Nepali travelers stuck at transit hubs in the region after airlines halted flights to several destinations due to security risks.

The feasibility study will evaluate whether emergency or charter flights could be deployed to evacuate or transport stranded Nepalis to their intended destinations safely. The government is also considering coordination with international aviation authorities and airlines operating in the region.

Review of Nepal Government Efforts

The ERT meeting also reviewed the efforts undertaken by the Government of Nepal so far to ensure the safety, protection, and welfare of Nepali citizens residing or working in West Asian countries.

Officials assessed the evolving geopolitical situation and its implications for Nepali migrant workers, many of whom are employed in Gulf labor markets that are critical sources of remittance income for Nepal’s economy.

The review included updates from Nepali diplomatic missions in affected countries regarding the ground situation, potential risks, and the number of Nepali citizens seeking assistance.

Emergency Coordination Mechanism Activated

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal stated that an Emergency Control Room has already been established at the ministry to monitor the situation and respond to requests from Nepali citizens abroad.

Nepalis who have contacted the control room and diplomatic missions have been receiving necessary support and guidance, officials said. Authorities are also coordinating with embassies and consulates across the Middle East to maintain updated records of Nepali nationals requiring assistance.

Focus on Safety and Welfare of Migrant Workers

Government officials emphasized that the ERT will continue working to ensure the safety, welfare, and protection of Nepali citizens in the region through coordinated and rapid response mechanisms.

The emergency team has been tasked with closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and taking necessary steps to manage the situation effectively, particularly if the conflict intensifies further or disrupts international travel networks.

Nepal sends hundreds of thousands of migrant workers to Gulf and Middle Eastern countries every year, making the region a critical destination for overseas employment and a major contributor to the country’s remittance-driven economy.

The current geopolitical tensions therefore carry significant implications not only for the safety of Nepali workers but also for Nepal’s broader economic stability and international aviation connectivity.