1st repatriation flight from Middle East arrives at Helsinki Airport

The first repatriation flight for Finnish citizens and permanent residents, who remained stranded in the United Arab Emirates, arrived at Helsinki Airport from Oman early Monday night.

The flight departed Muscat airport at 18:10 local time on Sunday with more than 160 passengers onboard including more than 70 children arrived at Helsinki Airport at 2:41 a.m. airport sources said.

The chartered flight operated by DAT airline was scheduled to arrive at 00.40 a.m. but it was delayed by two hours after a stopover at Alexandria in Egypt for refuelling.

More than 600 Finnish citizens had originally expressed interest in the repatriation flight and approximately 390 people registered for the flight, of whom a little over 100 later cancelled, said the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

The Ministry prioritised those in a vulnerable position on the repatriation flight, such as families with children. Those who wished to travel and had children under the age of 16 were able to board the flight.

The price of the repatriation journey was revised at 1,230 euros per passenger, which was initially fixed at about 2300 euros for air ticket from Oman to Helsinki and 100 euros for bus ticket from the UAE to Oman per person.

The ministry decided to reduce the prices for the trip following strong criticism by a group of Finnish people staying in United Arab Emirates, which was published in different Finnish news media.

The flight ticket was finally fixed at 1,150 euros and bus fare from UAE to Oman 40 euros for per adult person while repayment undertaking was 40 euros.

Repatriation is free for children aged 0–2, and they will travel on a parent’s lap.

Meanwhile, National flag carrier Finnair is preparing to operate special flights from Muscat, Oman to Helsinki to bring home passengers who have been stranded in Dubai following flights cancellations due to war in the Middle East.

The first flight is scheduled to leave Muscat on March 10, with more flights planned for later in the week, said Finnair in a press release on Friday.