The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received around 1,000 calls from Dutch nationals in the Middle East after a sharp escalation in regional tensions triggered by military
strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States, followed by Iranian retaliatory attacks.
According to the ministry, callers range from residents concerned about their personal safety to travelers seeking advice on how—or whether—it is possible to leave the region. A spokesperson said the ministry has expanded its contact center capacity to cope with the surge in requests.
“From The Hague and all our diplomatic posts in the region, we are closely monitoring developments in Iran, Israel, and the wider Middle East,” the spokesperson said. Dutch nationals have been advised to remain indoors, avoid large gatherings, and stay away from potential targets.
The ministry is also urging citizens to register with its travel information service so they can receive real-time updates, comply with instructions from local authorities, and keep relatives informed of their whereabouts. In emergencies, Dutch nationals are advised to contact the Foreign Affairs crisis team.
Airspace closures leave travelers stranded
Meanwhile, hundreds of travelers are stranded due to widespread airspace closures, including in Dubai, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, according to airline officials. A spokesperson for KLM said affected passengers have little choice but to wait in hotels for now.
“When it becomes possible, we will bring them out,” the spokesperson told RTL. “But at the moment, we can’t do anything. We depend entirely on the authorities.” It remains unclear how long the disruptions will last.
Dutch travelers with connecting flights through the Gulf are also stuck in other regions, including parts of Asia, according to the Algemene Nederlandse Vereniging van Reisondernemingen. The association said airlines and tour operators are exploring alternative routes, such as transfers via China or Turkey, as well as limited overland options. Travelers currently in the UAE may be able to cross by land into Oman, where the airport in Muscat remains operational.
Airline crews also affected
KLM confirmed that dozens of its pilots and cabin crew are also stranded at various locations. “They are dealing with the same uncertainty and questions as passengers,” the spokesperson said, adding that crew members are a priority for the airline.
For now, the Foreign Ministry says it is too early to consider repatriation or evacuation efforts. “That depends on many factors,” the spokesperson said. The ministry has been operating under a crisis structure since early yesterday, with multiple scenarios under continuous review. Photo by Steven Lek, Wikimedia commons.