Finnair to operate repatriation flights from Muscat from March 10

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.

About 1,200 Finnair passengers are currently waiting in Dubai.

The airline, however, said that the flights will be operated only if the Oman’s airspace is deemed safe for operations at the time.

As Finnair did not operated flights to and from Muscat before, arranging these flights has required detailed preparations.

“Safety is always our top priority, also in this exceptionally challenging situation, and there is still uncertainty regarding the planned flights. Nonetheless, we want to offer this option to our customers, who have been waiting for a long time, and the situation is distressing for them,” said Finnair's Chief Operating Officer Jaakko Schildt in the press release.

“Our aim is to operate the first flight on Tuesday, followed by additional flights if the security situation allows,” Schildt added.

Finnair will send a support team to Muscat to assist passengers and support the operation of planned flights.

Passengers travelling on these flights need to transfer to Muscat by bus. Finnair is collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland regarding the transportation arrangements.

The first flight will carry around 300 Finnair passengers whose Dubai–Helsinki flights were cancelled between 28 February and 9 March 2026.

Priority will be given to persons in vulnerable position – such as children, passengers requiring assistance, and the elderly. After that, seats will be allocated according to the order of the original return dates. Finnair will inform passengers directly about upcoming additional flights once schedules are confirmed.

Finnair will contact the passengers currently in Dubai on Friday, with instructions on how to register for the flights.

Passengers who have already secured a seat on the repatriation flight organised by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland for Sunday can contact Finnair to get the costs of that flight reimbursed.

Finnair has cancelled its flights to Doha and Dubai until 28 March due to the heightened security situation.