The South Korean government has responded to disruptions in the Middle East by coordinating closely with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ensure the safe repatriation of its citizens and secure emergency oil supplies. This initiative follows flight cancellations that left thousands of South Koreans stranded in the region. The government’s actions reflect a dual focus on citizen safety and energy security, as outlined in a briefing by Kang Hoon-sik, Chief Presidential Secretary, on March 6, 2026. The measures include arranging special flights and negotiating urgent oil imports from the UAE.
Approximately 18,000 South Koreans are currently in 14 Middle Eastern countries, with 4,900 classified as short-term residents. Of these, around 3,500 are waiting in the UAE and Qatar due to flight cancellations. The government has worked with UAE authorities to resume flights, including an Emirates Airlines flight from Dubai and an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi. Korean Air charter flights are also being considered to expedite the repatriation process. These actions aim to address the immediate needs of stranded citizens and ensure their safe return.
Flight operations resumed late on March 5, 2026, with the first Emirates Airlines flight expected to land at Incheon Airport at 7:30 PM on March 6. Additional flights from Abu Dhabi are anticipated to restart from March 7. In parallel, South Korea secured over 6 million barrels of oil from the UAE, including 4 million barrels stored at UAE ports and 2 million barrels available from joint reserves. Two Korean oil tankers will dock at alternative UAE ports, bypassing the Hormuz Strait, to expedite delivery. The government plans to continue expanding oil imports through these channels.
Frequently asked questions include: How will stranded South Koreans return home? Special flights arranged with UAE authorities are facilitating their repatriation, with arrivals beginning March 6. What steps are being taken to secure energy supplies? South Korea has negotiated emergency oil imports totaling over 6 million barrels, with immediate docking of tankers at UAE ports. Will additional flights or oil shipments be arranged? The government is in ongoing discussions with the UAE to increase both flight and oil import capacity as needed.
South Korea’s rapid response to the Middle East crisis, through close cooperation with the UAE, highlights its commitment to both citizen welfare and energy security. The government’s arrangement of special flights and emergency oil imports is grounded in concrete data, ensuring stranded citizens return safely and critical energy supplies are maintained. The use of alternative ports and joint reserves demonstrates adaptability and strategic planning. Continued negotiations with the UAE suggest a sustained focus on mitigating future risks and maintaining stability.