Swiss Plans Flight From Oman to Help Stranded Citizens

Swiss plans flight from Oman to help stranded citizens

Swiss International Airlines Organizes Special Flight Amid Middle East Conflict

ZURICH, March 4 (Reuters) - Swiss International Airlines said on Wednesday it would operate an Airbus A340 flight out of Oman on Thursday to help stranded travellers return to Switzerland amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Eligibility for the Special Flight

Swiss, a unit of Lufthansa, said those on board would be people with a Swiss ticket unable to fly to Zurich due to the conflict, as well as Swiss nationals who have registered their place of residence in Oman with Swiss authorities.

Priority for Swiss Citizens

"In particular, this measure is intended to offer Swiss citizens an opportunity to return home," Swiss said.

Impact of the Conflict on Swiss Nationals

Number of Stranded Swiss Citizens

The Swiss foreign ministry's latest estimates indicate that almost 5,000 Swiss people travelling in the region were stranded by the conflict, with over 500 in Oman.

Flight Details and Future Plans

Capacity and Departure Information

A Swiss spokesperson said around 200 seats would be available for passengers on the special flight departing Muscat for Zurich on Thursday morning, noting the airline could not presently comment on whether additional flights would follow.

Nature of the Operation

Independent Operation, Not Subsidized Evacuation

The airline said that while the flight was being carried out in coordination with the foreign ministry, it was not a subsidized evacuation, but an independent operation by Swiss.

(Writing by Dave Graham, Editing by Linda Pasquini and Matthias Williams)