LIVEChaos for Brits left stranded in Middle East after first government chartered flight fails to take off

  • Reading time:14 min(s) read

British nationals have endured another chaotic night in the Middle East after the first UK government chartered flight from Oman failed to take off.

Terrified passengers were said to be smashing on windows and having panic attacks as they sat helplessly on the plane on the tarmac in Muscat. One described the ordeal as a ‘total s***show’.

It had been scheduled to depart from the Omani capital at 11pm GST on Wednesday, but could not ‘due to the pilot’s hours clocking up’. 

In a statement from the Foreign Office they claimed that it was due to ‘technical issues’, but add that it is now expected to take off later today. 

Meanwhile Israel and Iran have traded fresh attacks as the conflict enters its sixth day.

Follow the latest updates on the US-Iran war below

08:05

What has been happening overnight

  • The Israeli military said Iran fired a number of missiles toward Israel in the early hours of Thursday, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.
  • Two Israeli strikes near Lebanon’s capital have left three people dead and six injured. Lebanese media reported the attacks hit a road leading to Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, citing the country’s health ministry.
  • The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned that the escalating conflict is already driving large-scale displacement. The agency said roughly 100,000 people fled Tehran within the first two days after the US-Israeli attack. In Lebanon, it estimates around 58,000 people are staying in collective shelters, although Lebanese officials say the figure exceeds 80,000.
  • The US military has released the name of a fifth soldier killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait during the early days of the war, and has also identified who is believed to be a sixth service member killed in the same attack.
  • A UK government-chartered flight meant to bring British nationals back from Oman did not depart on Wednesday evening as scheduled due to a technical fault. Qatar Airways said it plans to run additional relief flights from the Middle East to several European destinations on Thursday.
  • Authorities in Doha have started evacuating residents living close to the US Embassy as a precaution, according to Qatar’s interior ministry. The step follows drone attacks earlier this week targeting US diplomatic sites in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as the US consulate in Dubai.
  • A tanker sailing off the coast of Kuwait has been rocked by a “large explosion”, causing an oil spill, according to Britain’s maritime monitoring body, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.
07:48

Breaking:US tanker ‘on fire’ as Iran launches strikes

Iran’s army has said it launched several long-range Arash attack drones during the night, claiming they struck fuel tanks at the Ramat David Airbase in Israel.

Iranian state news agency Fars also reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) hit a US oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf, leaving the vessel on fire.

In a statement, the IRGC said that during the conflict Iran would control passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The claims have not yet been independently verified.

06:42

Chartered flight for Brits to leave Oman did not take off

The first Government mercy flight for Britons stranded in the Middle East has been branded a ‘s***show’ after it failed to take off last night.

The aircraft chartered by the Foreign Office for British nationals being evacuated from Muscat to the UK was grounded because the pilot had exceeded his hours and ‘needed to rest’, according to passengers.

People due to take off for home last night became ‘very agitated’ and started ‘banging windows’ with some having ‘panic attacks’ when it failed to take off to escape the widening Iran war, one passenger claimed.

The evacuation was a ‘total shambles’ because checking in for the flight took at least four hours and then they waited on the plane for another 90 minutes before being taken off again, the person on board said.

Read the full story below.

Flight to get stranded Brits out of Middle East fails to take off
The aircraft chartered by the Foreign Office for British nationals wanting to leave Oman was grounded because the pilot had exceeded his hours and ‘needed to rest’.

08:35

Azerbaijan airport hit by strikes ‘coming from Iran’

Missiles and drones flying from the direction of Iran have reportedly fallen on the airport in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan on Thursday, a source close to the Azerbaijani government told Reuters.

Nakhchivan International Airport is located roughly 10 km from the border with Iran.

08:31

Pictured: Smoke rising from Tehran in latest Israeli air strikes

Vehicles drive along an expressway against the backdrop of smoke rising after a strike on the Iranian capital of Tehran on March 5, 2026. Israel pounded Tehran with fresh strikes and Iran targeted Kurdish guerilla groups in Iraq on March 5 as a spiralling war in the Middle East engulfed the entire region. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images)

epa12796177 Smoke rises after an airstrike in central Tehran, Iran, 05 March 2026. A joint Israeli and US military operation continues to target multiple locations across Iran since the early hours of 28 February 2026. EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

08:27

Drone that hit British air base took off from Lebanon

Cyprus has said that the Shahed drone which struck a British airbase on the island’s southern coast was launched from Beirut.

A Cypriot official, speaking anonymously because they are not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that the drone responsible for damaging a hangar at RAF Akrotiri just after midnight on Monday had taken off from the Lebanese capital.

Two additional drones detected around midday on Monday were intercepted by British fighter jets scrambled from RAF Akrotiri.

Since the initial strikes, there have been multiple false alarms over suspected drone sightings.

08:20

Italy to send air defence aid to Gulf states, says Meloni

Italy is preparing to send air defence support to Gulf countries under threat from Iranian air strikes, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced.

Like the UK, France and Germany, Italy ‌intends to send assistance to Gulf countries, specifically in the field of defence and in particular, air defence.
This ⁠is not only because they are friendly nations, but above ⁠all because tens of thousands ⁠of Italians live ⁠in the region and around 2,000 Italian troops are deployed there – people ‌we want to, and must, protect.
08:14

Breaking:Explosions heard over Qatar and Bahrain

Explosions have been reported in both Qatar and Bahrain this morning amid a series of Iranian missile strikes across the region. Witnesses in Doha, Qatar’s capital, told AFP reporters that blasts could be heard across the city.

Earlier, Qatari authorities began evacuating residents living near the US Embassy in Doha as a “precautionary” measure. Explosions were also reported over Bahrain’s capital, Manama.

The Gulf states have been repeatedly targeted by Iranian drones and missiles, in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

07:56

First flights carrying European nationals out of the Middle East arrive

Spanish nationals, who are trapped in the Middle East amid the U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran, board a military repatriation flight at an unknown location in Oman, in this handout photo released March 4, 2026. Spanish Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

A Lufthansa plane from Muscat, Oman, the first evacuation flight on behalf of the German government, lands at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt/Main, Germany Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Hannes P. Albert/dpa via AP)

The first flights carrying European nationals out of the Middle East have begun arriving back in Europe as the conflict enters its sixth day.

Spanish citizens were flown out of Oman on a military repatriation flight overnight.

The aircraft departed at around the same time a UK charter flight had been scheduled to leave Oman, but that plane was grounded due to technical issues.

Meanwhile, a Lufthansa flight from Muscat – operating as the German government’s first evacuation service – has now landed at Frankfurt Airport in Germany.

07:45

Australia deploys ‘military assets’ to Middle East

Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed ‘military assets’ are being sent to the Middle East to help bring stranded citizens home.

While the government is urging Australians to use commercial flights where possible, it has also launched Operation Beech to support the roughly 24,000 Australians currently in the United Arab Emirates.

So far, two aircraft have been deployed as part of the effort.

Mr Albanese said:

I thank those Australians going into a dangerous situation in order to help their fellow Australians.
07:43

Pictured: Damaged buildings in Beirut from Israeli airstrikes

A van drives past a destroyed building following airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburbs of Ghobeiry neighborhood, on March 5, 2026. Israel said it carried out strikes on Beirut targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah on March 5, while Lebanese state media reported an Israeli drone strike killed a Hamas official. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)

Heavy machinery clears the debris near a building damaged after Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs on Wednesday, following renewed hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 5, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Ahmad Al Kerdi

A man stands near a damaged building after Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs on Wednesday, following renewed hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 5, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Ahmad Al Kerdi REFILE - UPDATING FROM "PEOPLE STAND" TO " A MAN STANDS".

07:39

First UK flight from Middle East from will take off later today

The first UK government-organised flight intended to bring British citizens home from the Middle East has been delayed.

The Foreign Office confirmed the charter plane did not depart from Oman last night as originally planned.

A spokesperson said:

The UK government charter flight was not able to depart from Oman yesterday as planned due to technical issues. The flight is now expected to depart later today.
Key Updates
  • First flights carrying European nationals out of the Middle East arrive
  • US tanker ‘on fire’ as Iran launches strikes
  • Senate backs Trump’s war in Iran
  • Chartered flight for Brits to leave Oman did not take off

TOP STORIES

  • Expats scared to speak out about the scramble to leave Dubai: Families face being jailed by social media police for criticising response as they pay £100,000 for private jetsExpats scared to speak out about the scramble to leave Dubai: Families face being jailed by social media police for criticising response as they pay £100,000 for private jets
  • As Stacey Solomon toasts £10m empire, the 'begging' new move from her struggling nurse sister that's left uncomfortable questions - and OLIVIA KEMP reveals why it's caused fury...As Stacey Solomon toasts £10m empire, the ‘begging’ new move from her struggling nurse sister that’s left uncomfortable questions – and OLIVIA KEMP reveals why it’s caused fury…
  • Nicola Coughlan hits back at 'plus size' label and says she was a size 8-10 in Bridgerton nude scenes as she brands the furore over her figure 'so boring'Nicola Coughlan hits back at ‘plus size’ label and says she was a size 8-10 in Bridgerton nude scenes as she brands the furore over her figure ‘so boring’
  • The middle-class women raking it in from OnlyFans. Megan was a nurse - now she makes £11k a month. Georgia worked in a soft play, now she makes £5k. Here they reveal the how, the wild requests... and the dark consequencesThe middle-class women raking it in from OnlyFans. Megan was a nurse – now she makes £11k a month. Georgia worked in a soft play, now she makes £5k. Here they reveal the how, the wild requests… and the dark consequences
  • 'Petulant and pacifist' Red Ed led Cabinet revolt and 'rejected Trump's request to use British bases to bomb Iran' - after discussing if it was 'a good thing for Labour'‘Petulant and pacifist’ Red Ed led Cabinet revolt and ‘rejected Trump’s request to use British bases to bomb Iran’ – after discussing if it was ‘a good thing for Labour’
  • Revealed: The 67 dog breeds that could be banned in Britain... is YOUR pooch on the list?Revealed: The 67 dog breeds that could be banned in Britain… is YOUR pooch on the list?
  • Moment police arrest Romanian shoplifters who helped steal £200,000 of goods from Tesco - before one tells officers he 'no speak English'Moment police arrest Romanian shoplifters who helped steal £200,000 of goods from Tesco – before one tells officers he ‘no speak English’
  • Wish you war here? Tourists and expats enjoy the beach in Dubai in the shadow of hotel smashed by Iranian drone, as conflict continues in the regionWish you war here? Tourists and expats enjoy the beach in Dubai in the shadow of hotel smashed by Iranian drone, as conflict continues in the region
  • Israeli special forces are carrying out 'extraordinary missions that can spark one's imagination' says Air Force chief - amid reports of helicopter drops in IraqIsraeli special forces are carrying out ‘extraordinary missions that can spark one’s imagination’ says Air Force chief – amid reports of helicopter drops in Iraq
  • Karoline Leavitt EXPLODES at CNN's Kaitlan Collins as she's grilled on US troops killed by IranKaroline Leavitt EXPLODES at CNN’s Kaitlan Collins as she’s grilled on US troops killed by Iran
  • Five-year-olds in nappies, unable to talk and swiping at books as if they're iPhones - and the parents aren't much better: Teachers reveal what they REALLY think of modern parenting in our no-holds barred special reportFive-year-olds in nappies, unable to talk and swiping at books as if they’re iPhones – and the parents aren’t much better: Teachers reveal what they REALLY think of modern parenting in our no-holds barred special report
  • 'Our jets never go on holiday': IDF uses Jess Glynne's viral song on video of assassinated terror leaders‘Our jets never go on holiday’: IDF uses Jess Glynne’s viral song on video of assassinated terror leaders
  • Shocking moment Kristi Noem is asked about having 'affair' with married staffer... as her husband watchesShocking moment Kristi Noem is asked about having ‘affair’ with married staffer… as her husband watches
  • Deadliest Catch star's devastated mom begs producers not to air footage of his fatal fall at seaDeadliest Catch star’s devastated mom begs producers not to air footage of his fatal fall at sea
  • Sir Paul McCartney dines out with wife Nancy in Paris after showing support for daughter Stella at her PFW showSir Paul McCartney dines out with wife Nancy in Paris after showing support for daughter Stella at her PFW show
  • Protestors clash with mourners at candlelit vigil for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in ManchesterProtestors clash with mourners at candlelit vigil for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Manchester
  • Ioan Gruffudd scores huge win as judge extends order against ex-wife Alice Evans amid bitter court battleIoan Gruffudd scores huge win as judge extends order against ex-wife Alice Evans amid bitter court battle
  • The 'panicking' cruise passengers trapped in Gulf warzone by Iran's Strait of Hormuz blockade as Tehran vows to set any ships who enter ablazeThe ‘panicking’ cruise passengers trapped in Gulf warzone by Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade as Tehran vows to set any ships who enter ablaze
  • Iran shows off sprawling underground missile city with row after row of drones and rockets - amid growing fears US and its allies are burning through multi-million-pound weaponryIran shows off sprawling underground missile city with row after row of drones and rockets – amid growing fears US and its allies are burning through multi-million-pound weaponry
  • Who hates who in the Middle East: As a former Nato commander warns we are on the brink of World War III - the definitive guide to who is backing Trump... and who is on the side of the MullahsWho hates who in the Middle East: As a former Nato commander warns we are on the brink of World War III – the definitive guide to who is backing Trump… and who is on the side of the Mullahs
  • Cha cha cha-ing as the Middle East burns... but at least they're getting a pay rise! Fury as MPs DANCE in Parliament while Iran crisis leaves Britain on 'brink of World War Three'Cha cha cha-ing as the Middle East burns… but at least they’re getting a pay rise! Fury as MPs DANCE in Parliament while Iran crisis leaves Britain on ‘brink of World War Three’
  • Jasmine Crockett concedes DEFEAT in Texas after humiliating loss to 'baby-faced assassin' James TalaricoJasmine Crockett concedes DEFEAT in Texas after humiliating loss to ‘baby-faced assassin’ James Talarico
  • Starmer swipes that Trump doesn't have a 'viable thought-through plan' for Iran war as Special Relationship goes into meltdownStarmer swipes that Trump doesn’t have a ‘viable thought-through plan’ for Iran war as Special Relationship goes into meltdown
  • The unseen forces at work in the 'safest country in the world' Dubai as influencers heap praise on regime as Iran's suicide drones cause mayhemThe unseen forces at work in the ‘safest country in the world’ Dubai as influencers heap praise on regime as Iran’s suicide drones cause mayhem
  • US submarine uses torpedo to SINK Iranian warship in international waters for first time since the Second World WarUS submarine uses torpedo to SINK Iranian warship in international waters for first time since the Second World War
  • Ground invasion launched against Iran as thousands of US-backed Kurdish fighters storm borderGround invasion launched against Iran as thousands of US-backed Kurdish fighters storm border
  • Beatrice's 'awkward' Christmas with Kate and William: Princess showed feelings of 'dislike' towards the couple weeks after her father was stripped of his titles, body language expert claims Beatrice’s ‘awkward’ Christmas with Kate and William: Princess showed feelings of ‘dislike’ towards the couple weeks after her father was stripped of his titles, body language expert claims 
  • The murder that shook Britain. Five years on, chilling minute-by-minute reconstruction of how Sarah Everard was abducted, raped, murdered and then callously set on fire by a serving police officerThe murder that shook Britain. Five years on, chilling minute-by-minute reconstruction of how Sarah Everard was abducted, raped, murdered and then callously set on fire by a serving police officer
  • Severed head and body parts wash up on Bali beach after severely wounded son of wealthy Ukrainian 'criminal kingpin' begged for help in haunting ransom videoSevered head and body parts wash up on Bali beach after severely wounded son of wealthy Ukrainian ‘criminal kingpin’ begged for help in haunting ransom video
  • Husband of Labour MP Joani Reid among three arrested over 'spying for China'... amid fresh calls for 'super-embassy' to be blockedHusband of Labour MP Joani Reid among three arrested over ‘spying for China’… amid fresh calls for ‘super-embassy’ to be blocked
  • Two sisters drowned while paddling fully clothed in a Snowdonia mountain pool 'often promoted on social media', inquest hearsTwo sisters drowned while paddling fully clothed in a Snowdonia mountain pool ‘often promoted on social media’, inquest hears
  • Trump spurned war hero Dan Crenshaw is ousted in bitter taste of MAGA revengeTrump spurned war hero Dan Crenshaw is ousted in bitter taste of MAGA revenge
  • Iran strikes pummel Trump approval to all-time low as Americans turn on war: 'He said he'd be the peace president'Iran strikes pummel Trump approval to all-time low as Americans turn on war: ‘He said he’d be the peace president’
  • Streets in historic UK city 'too dangerous' to walk through because of beggars lining the paths, families claimStreets in historic UK city ‘too dangerous’ to walk through because of beggars lining the paths, families claim
  • Iran leader who plotted Trump assassination killed, Hegseth says as US unveils devastating new bomber strategyIran leader who plotted Trump assassination killed, Hegseth says as US unveils devastating new bomber strategy
  • Millionaire BrewDog founder James Watt says he's 'heartbroken' after dozens of bars close and hundreds of jobs are lost following £33million saleMillionaire BrewDog founder James Watt says he’s ‘heartbroken’ after dozens of bars close and hundreds of jobs are lost following £33million sale
  • Keir Starmer defies Trump's 'no Churchill' jibe as he tells Muslims breaking Ramadan fast that UK is 'not involved' with Iran attacks and talks up Gaza 'justice'Keir Starmer defies Trump’s ‘no Churchill’ jibe as he tells Muslims breaking Ramadan fast that UK is ‘not involved’ with Iran attacks and talks up Gaza ‘justice’
  • Horrifying video leaks out of Iran: Plotted under cover of darkness, an unthinkably evil revenge plan emergesHorrifying video leaks out of Iran: Plotted under cover of darkness, an unthinkably evil revenge plan emerges
  • Married Congressman finally confesses to affair with aide who set herself on fire in shocking scandal first exposed by the Daily MailMarried Congressman finally confesses to affair with aide who set herself on fire in shocking scandal first exposed by the Daily Mail
  • Shocking periscope footage shows US submarine sinking Iranian warship off Sri LankaShocking periscope footage shows US submarine sinking Iranian warship off Sri Lanka
  • Princess Diana's bodyguard brands Andrew 'one of the most arrogant individuals he's met' as he calls Epstein links 'excruciatingly toxic' and hints at more revelations to comePrincess Diana’s bodyguard brands Andrew ‘one of the most arrogant individuals he’s met’ as he calls Epstein links ‘excruciatingly toxic’ and hints at more revelations to come
  • Favorite for Supreme Leader of Iran spent months being 'treated for impotency' in private UK hospitals, US intelligence revealsFavorite for Supreme Leader of Iran spent months being ‘treated for impotency’ in private UK hospitals, US intelligence reveals
  • Tim Walz's face says it all as he's grilled over Somali fraud ring: 'Did you even prepare for this hearing?'Tim Walz’s face says it all as he’s grilled over Somali fraud ring: ‘Did you even prepare for this hearing?’
  • A million more pensioners will be hit to help pay for Rachel Reeves' benefits boomA million more pensioners will be hit to help pay for Rachel Reeves’ benefits boom
  • Three teenage schoolboys 'took it in turns' to rape 13-year-old girl in Rochdale supermarket car park before sharing footage of the attack, court toldThree teenage schoolboys ‘took it in turns’ to rape 13-year-old girl in Rochdale supermarket car park before sharing footage of the attack, court told
  • Toddler declared dead after drowning in backyard pool comes back to life five hours laterToddler declared dead after drowning in backyard pool comes back to life five hours later
  • Moment Iranian warship is blasted by torpedo after being hunted down by US submarine off Sri LankaMoment Iranian warship is blasted by torpedo after being hunted down by US submarine off Sri Lanka
  • Politician Rory Amon admits sex with a 13-year-old boy in a 'dirty, hidden car park toilet' - as he faces rape charges and jury hears his explanationPolitician Rory Amon admits sex with a 13-year-old boy in a ‘dirty, hidden car park toilet’ – as he faces rape charges and jury hears his explanation
  • Top cleric issues fatwa calling on all Muslims to avenge 'blood of the martyr' Khamenei prompting fears of sleeper cell and lone wolf attacks across the globeTop cleric issues fatwa calling on all Muslims to avenge ‘blood of the martyr’ Khamenei prompting fears of sleeper cell and lone wolf attacks across the globe
  • Exposed: Half-naked man filmed 'fleeing lover's husband' admits causing three-car crashExposed: Half-naked man filmed ‘fleeing lover’s husband’ admits causing three-car crash
  • Iran issues fresh threat to Dubai as it threatens to 'hit all economic centres' in the Middle East - while Brits scramble to leave region and drone hits US consulateIran issues fresh threat to Dubai as it threatens to ‘hit all economic centres’ in the Middle East – while Brits scramble to leave region and drone hits US consulate
  • Arkansas mother killed herself at mansion where her twins, six, were also found murdered after abusive doctor husband refused to halt divorceArkansas mother killed herself at mansion where her twins, six, were also found murdered after abusive doctor husband refused to halt divorce
  • Spanish PM says Trump is 'playing Russian roulette' with millions of lives as Macron backs his stance on 'illegal' Iran war amid European hand-wringingSpanish PM says Trump is ‘playing Russian roulette’ with millions of lives as Macron backs his stance on ‘illegal’ Iran war amid European hand-wringing
  • Young mom mauled to death by dogs while shielding son from attack in CaliforniaYoung mom mauled to death by dogs while shielding son from attack in California
  • Every picture in the Epstein Files collected for the first time by Deep Dive: Explore the Mail's painstakingly compiled interactive galleryEvery picture in the Epstein Files collected for the first time by Deep Dive: Explore the Mail’s painstakingly compiled interactive gallery
  • Trump's commanders tell troops to prepare for Jesus' return and issue chilling Armageddon prophecyTrump’s commanders tell troops to prepare for Jesus’ return and issue chilling Armageddon prophecy
  • I helped create Candace Owens. It's my biggest regret. For the first time, I'm spilling her humiliating private confession to me... it tells you everythingI helped create Candace Owens. It’s my biggest regret. For the first time, I’m spilling her humiliating private confession to me… it tells you everything
  • Australians warned to reconsider travel plans for the next five monthsAustralians warned to reconsider travel plans for the next five months



img2025