South African citizens are returning from the Middle East as limited flight operations resume following severe regional airspace closures.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation issued an urgent plea for all nationals to evacuate the region immediately. Major carriers including Emirates and South African Airways have begun restoring services after Gulf airspaces shut down due to escalating military conflict. These closures were implemented to protect civilian aircraft from missile and drone threats following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation.
“If there are any South Africans in the Middle East who are desperately trying to fly back to SA, please share with them that Emirates Airlines has confirmed that they have limited scheduled flights travelling to South Africa from Dubai,”
Media personality Spitch Nzawumbi shared his successful return on social media after catching an early morning flight on Friday. He cautioned travellers against arriving at airports without confirmed bookings due to overwhelming demand and persistent cancellations.
Hundreds of South Africans found themselves trapped in Dubai when the United Arab Emirates closed its airspace during the initial phase of hostilities. The UAE has since partially reopened, allowing Emirates to resume three daily flights to South Africa. At least 150 citizens, many completing pilgrimage in Jerusalem, have already been repatriated via EgyptAir.
One Durban resident described her family’s narrow escape while attempting to reach Amsterdam. Their Dubai connection was cancelled moments before departure, a frustration that transformed into relief as the conflict erupted hours later.
“At that moment, we had no clue what was happening and were just upset about the cancelled flight. Now, looking back, we are so thankful it happened just before,”
She highlighted the financial devastation facing stranded travellers, noting that standard travel insurance excludes acts of war from coverage. Airlines typically refund only unused tickets, leaving passengers to absorb accommodation and living costs in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Those on brief stopovers face particular vulnerability, with some already confined for six days despite hotel placements by Emirates.
The military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate with increasingly bellicose rhetoric from both sides. President Donald Trump announced a significant expansion of targeting parameters in the early hours of Sunday, declaring on Truth Social that Iran would face unprecedented strikes.
“Iran will be hit very hard,”
Trump stated, indicating that locations and groups previously spared are now candidates for complete destruction. He dismissed diplomatic solutions, suggesting hostilities would persist until Iran’s military capabilities and governing structures are eliminated. The American leader demanded unconditional surrender from Tehran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian swiftly rejected this ultimatum, characterizing it as delusional while affirming his nation’s commitment to territorial defense. The Iranian health ministry reported civilian casualties exceeding 1,332 dead, including approximately 200 children, since operations commenced.
More than 6,400 South African nationals have registered on DIRCO’s Travel Smart platform, though officials did not confirm how many remain stranded when approached for comment.