British nationals stranded in Israel will be evacuated on government-organised charter flights once the country’s airspace reopens, the Foreign Office has confirmed.
The decision marks a reversal of the UK’s earlier position, with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) officials previously indicating that chartered flights would not be offered.
On Friday, however, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK is now coordinating with Israeli authorities to facilitate evacuation flights from Tel Aviv, depending on demand from British citizens.
Thousands of UK nationals are believed to be in Israel, though many are permanent residents or have opted to remain despite the worsening security situation. Israel’s airspace has been closed for a week following Iranian missile strikes launched in retaliation for Israeli air raids ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The closure has left tens of thousands of tourists, including British nationals, stranded with no commercial flights available.
In a statement, Mr Lammy said: “As part of our efforts to support British nationals in the Middle East, the Government is working with the Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv airport when airspace reopens, based on levels of demand. British nationals should register their presence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to be contacted with further guidance.”
He also noted that land routes out of Israel remain open, and UK officials are on the ground assisting those who have crossed into neighbouring countries, including Jordan and Egypt. Assistance may include transport to regional airports for onward travel, depending on demand.
The FCDO has advised all British nationals in the region to register on an online portal to help officials estimate numbers and coordinate assistance. Embassy staff families in Tel Aviv have already been evacuated due to security concerns, following Iranian strikes that resulted in civilian casualties.
Government-chartered evacuations are rare, especially when commercial air travel is expected to resume shortly. However, the anticipated rush for seats once flights restart has prompted the UK to step in with direct assistance.
The decision comes amid rising diplomatic tension. Israel is reportedly eager to avoid the impression that it is unsafe for foreign visitors, particularly from allied nations. Nevertheless, the UK updated its travel advice on Sunday, warning against all travel to Israel due to the risk of further escalation.
Mr Lammy is attending a meeting in Geneva with EU foreign ministers to discuss the conflict. He travelled there from Washington, where he met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The UK is urging calm and a diplomatic resolution, with Lammy reportedly advising against U.S. military intervention.
Donald Trump, who is considering joining the conflict, has delayed a decision on a potential U.S. airstrike on an Iranian nuclear facility. The UK believes this delay offers a short window to pursue de-escalation and avoid further destabilisation of the region.
The UK continues to call for restraint from all sides, with Lammy urging cool heads to prevail.
