Assistance for Individuals Redeparting from Israel
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A series of special flights have brought relief to over 300 Germans stranded in Israel and Iran following the ongoing tension between the two nations. Organized by the German Foreign Office, these evacuation flights offered a route of escape for many who had been waiting in Tel Aviv and Amman for days. For some, the emotions were mixed, with a sense of relief tinged with concern for friends still in harm's way [1][2].
Touchdown in Frankfurt: Exhausted but safe, the passengers of the most recent special flight from Amman found themselves landing at Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt am Main. With 171 people aboard, the plane was a welcome sight for those who had been stuck in the Middle East due to the escalating conflict [1].
Local Perspectives "A sigh of relief" Lionel Reich: "It felt like freedom"Lionel Reich, a German citizen returning home, recounted the worries and anxieties he faced during the last few days in Tel Aviv. "There was an air raid alert every two or three hours, and at night, the rocket impacts were audible. Fear slowly subsided, but the thought of friends living in the center of Tel Aviv, whose apartment was destroyed, remains a concern" [1].
Despite the relief of being back on German soil, others criticized the German government for the perceived lack of support during the crisis. Daniel Halav, another returnee, voiced his opinion, "We had to take care of ourselves to get to Amman. In my opinion, we were left a bit on our own. I think that's what you pay taxes for - so the government takes care of you." He also mentioned that the news about the Amman flights came at short notice [1].
International News "Avoiding risks" Foreign Office opted against organized tripsOther European countries like Poland opted to organize convoys to Jordan for their citizens, but the German Foreign Office decided against such measures due to the added risks [1]. Germans stranded in the affected regions were instead advised to follow the instructions provided by the Israeli authorities and avoid overland travel or gatherings [1].
The flights are not considered a repatriation or evacuation effort according to the Foreign Office but are instead "commercial special flights" due to insufficient flight options provided by airlines [1]. A spokesperson explained that these flights will continue as long as the situation permits and there's a need [1].
As more evacuation flights are planned, the Foreign Office encourages Germans to register on the Elefand crisis preparedness list. Currently, over 4,000 Germans are registered as being in Israel, while the number of Germans in Iran exceeds 1,000 [1].
Political Views "War's destructive impact" Gerlach on Gulf states business modelAccording to the Foreign Office, the Middle East situation remains volatile and tense, with Israeli military operations in Iran continuing and Iranian shelling of Israel still occurring [1]. As a result, airspace over both countries remains closed, and flight departures are limited [1].
In response to the conflict, German citizens in Iran are advised to travel overland to neighboring countries Armenia, Turkey, or Azerbaijan to continue their journey to Germany with commercial flights. The German embassy in Tehran is working to support the departure of Germans though direct contact with Iranian authorities [1].
[1] ntv.de, mau/dpa
[2] Die Welt, Samar Qudss, June 19, 2025
[3] BBC News, Middle East section, June 18, 2025
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive concerning the evacuation flights organized by the German Foreign Office, as many citizens return to Germany, escaping the unrest in the Middle East.
- As discussions continue about political matters and travel restrictions in the Middle East, citizens like Lionel Reich, who have recently returned to Germany, express their concern for maintaining a normal lifestyle amidst their escape from the conflict, with returning home providing a temporary respite from the turmoil.
