Yvette Cooper: 24/7 FCDO help, UAE flights, Oman

Hundreds of thousands of people across the Middle East and the Gulf have had plans upended by airspace closures and strikes. On 3 March 2026, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK’s top priority is your safety, urged British nationals to register their presence, and confirmed the Foreign Office crisis centre is running 24/7. (gov.uk)

Here’s what that means today if you’re trying to get home. For Abu Dhabi and Dubai, some commercial flights have restarted and airlines will focus first on passengers already booked. Ministers say they’re working with carriers and local authorities to increase seats for British nationals. In Oman, alongside commercial services, the UK is working to secure a government charter in the coming days, with vulnerable people prioritised. Keep checking with your airline. (gov.uk)

What the crisis centre actually does is simple: it’s the FCDO’s 24/7 Consular Contact Centre. When you call +44 (0)20 7008 5000, trained staff assess your situation and coordinate with embassies and consulates to decide what practical help is possible where you are. Support depends on local laws and security conditions, but you can always reach someone. (gov.uk)

Registration is your fast track to timely updates. The FCDO has activated ‘register your presence’ for Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Add your details on GOV.UK so officials can send you SMS and email alerts and, when needed, clear instructions. In a crisis, the FCDO may share limited data with airlines or local authorities to help you leave safely. (gov.uk)

Commercial v charter, in plain English. Commercial flights are run by airlines; you buy a ticket and, when seats are tight, they usually help their existing customers first. A government charter is an extra aircraft arranged only when normal options aren’t working. Seats are typically allocated by need, and you may be charged an appropriate fee; if you can’t pay up front, the UK can provide a short‑term loan that must be repaid later. (gov.uk)

Your next steps are straightforward. Check the Foreign travel advice page for your country, follow instructions from local authorities, and keep talking to your airline. Turn on email updates so changes land in your inbox quickly, and keep your phone charged so you don’t miss a call about a seat. (gov.uk)

If you’re in the UAE, expect airlines to contact existing passengers first as schedules are rebuilt. If you’re in Oman and you’re vulnerable-for example because of health needs, caring responsibilities or a lack of safe accommodation-the charter is being set up with you in mind. Keep your passport, visas and medication ready to move at short notice.

For students and families, the rule of thumb is to act on official sources and be careful with rumours. If a friend of a friend messages about a ‘guaranteed flight’, pause and check with the FCDO or your airline before making a move. Reliable information keeps you safe.

We’ll keep explaining updates in plain English as they arrive. For urgent consular help call +44 (0)20 7008 5000, register your presence if eligible, and keep your documents and insurance details to hand so you’re ready when a seat becomes available. We’re rooting for your safe return.