Why is New Zealand sending defence planes to the Middle East?

New Zealand is sending two C-130J Hercules aircraft to be ready for the possible evacuation of its citizens due to escalating conflict and flight disruptions in the region.

What advice has the government given to New Zealanders in the Middle East?

The government advises New Zealanders to shelter in place or take any safe and practical opportunities to leave the region.

What is causing flight disruptions in the Middle East?

Flight disruptions are caused by escalating conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, leading to airspace closures and major airport shutdowns.

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Finance

New Zealand Deploys Two Defence Planes to the Middle East in Preparation for Evacuations

Q: How many New Zealanders are currently in the Middle East?

There are around 3,000 New Zealanders registered as living in the Middle East.

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on March 4, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: April 2, 2026

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New Zealand's Emergency Response to Middle East Conflict

Deployment of Defence Force Aircraft

DUBAI, March 4 (Reuters) - The New Zealand government said on Wednesday that it would send two Defence Force C-130J Hercules aircraft to the Middle East in case they were needed for evacuating New Zealanders from the region.

Impact on New Zealanders in the Region

Stranded Travellers and Disrupted Flights

New Zealanders are among the tens of thousands of travellers across the Middle East, who have become stranded after escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran disrupted flights worldwide and forced the closure of major airports including Dubai, the world's busiest international hub.

Registered Citizens in the Middle East

The government said there were currently around 3000 New Zealanders registered as living in the Middle East.

Government Statements and Recommendations

Official Statement from Foreign Minister Winston Peters

“The events in the Middle East are fast-moving, dangerous and complex - and our primary focus is on assisting New Zealanders in the region to the extent possible in this very challenging security environment,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement.

Preparation for Civilian Evacuation Operations

He added that sending two planes along with consular staff was so "they can be ready when conditions allow to assist with any civilian evacuation operations."

Advice for New Zealanders in the Region

Peters added that with airspace closed and most commercial flights not operating, the government continues to recommend that New Zealanders shelter in place - or take any safe and practical opportunities that are available to leave the region.

Ongoing Decision-Making

The statement said that decisions on where the consular response team and the two Hercules would be deployed were still being made.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Toby Chopra)