US evacuation flights from the UAE are experiencing low demand, leaving many seats unfilled.
US Citizens in UAE Decline Evacuation Offer
Dubai: Approximately 9,000 American citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates have opted to stay in the country, despite offers from the US government to provide charter evacuation flights, the US State Department confirmed.
In a statement, Dylan Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs, said the department reached out to thousands of Americans in the UAE to offer seats on government-organized evacuation flights. However, several flights departed with empty seats due to low demand.
The statement noted that many US citizens who initially sought assistance ultimately chose not to use the evacuation options, opting instead to remain in the UAE or travel via available commercial flights.
The official highlighted that the increasing availability of commercial flights in the region has led the State Department to scale back its charter flight operations and ground transport services, which were initially launched in response to the regional crisis.
Since February 28, over 43,000 American citizens have returned to the United States from the Middle East via a mix of government-chartered and commercial flights, the State Department said.
The department added that its 24/7 emergency response teams have provided direct assistance to more than 30,000 Americans abroad, offering security guidance and support with travel arrangements.
Noting the reduced demand for evacuation services and the success of earlier operations, the State Department said this would be the final daily update on the evacuation effort, though further updates will be issued if necessary.
