First wave of Europeans stranded by Iran conflict return home, with hundreds of thousands still left in region – Europe live

Key events

Morning opening: How to obtain out of there?

Jakub Krupa

The first wave of European travellers stranded by the Middle East conflict returned home overnight, securing seats on the few remaining flights out of the region.

British, Czech, Italian and Polish media reported first successful returns from Oman and the United Arab Emirates after just a few carriers managed to take off and leave the affected area.

First Italian tourists return from Dubai. Photograph: Francesco Fotia/AGF/Shutterstock

Jeff and Rebecca Moses from Manchester, who were staying in Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel, Abu Dhabi, arriving at Terminal 4 of London Heathrow Airport on a flight from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Hundreds of thousands are still believed to be in the region with countries stepping up their evacuation plans, with many countries continuing to advise them to shelter in place until the situation improves.

The European Commission declared late on Monday it was working on “stepping up support for Member States’ evacuation and repatriation efforts.”

Expect more details to emerge soon, but the increasingly complex and challenging security situation in the region does not create it any simpler.

Separately, France has pledged to sconclude anti-missile and anti-drone systems to Cyprus after a British airbase on the island was attacked by drones, the Cyprus News Agency declared. Earlier, Greece sent four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates to assist with the island’s defence.

Later today, our attention will shift towards the US as German chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected at the White Houtilize for his much-awaited meeting with the US president, Donald Trump.

Lots for us to cover.

It’s Tuesday, 3 March 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.

Good morning.

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