Air France Repatriation Flight Turned Back Amid Missile Fire in Middle East

On March 5, 2026, an Air France flight chartered by the French government to repatriate French citizens from the United Arab Emirates was forced to turn back due to missile fire in the region, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed. The flight, initially planned to connect Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Dubai with a stopover in Cairo, was empty and intended solely to evacuate French nationals. Tabarot emphasized that despite efforts by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs to facilitate repatriation, security concerns amid the ongoing regional instability prevented the flight from proceeding.

Air France announced the suspension of this repatriation operation, highlighting the challenges posed by the evolving security situation. Regular Air France flights from Dubai are also suspended until March 7, with daily assessments planned. The ministry teams manage passenger lists for repatriation, prioritizing the most vulnerable individuals.

This incident follows a successful repatriation flight from Oman to Paris the previous Wednesday, showing the complexity and cautious approach required for such operations in the Middle East. Tabarot stated, "We are fully aware of the legitimate expectations of our compatriots on the ground, but their return can only occur under guaranteed security conditions." The incident underscores the fragile security environment and operational difficulties faced while ensuring the safety of French nationals abroad.