MSC confirms charter flights to repatriate guests in Middle East

MSC Cruises shared an update on the "safest and quickest way" to repatriate its guests who are current stuck in the Middle East amid the military conflict.

In a press release Thursday (March 5), the cruise line said it is accelerating its efforts by launching a dedicated flight operation that currently includes five charter flights, with the first flight planned to depart today (March 5).

“These flights would see close to 1,000 guests leave the region by Saturday,” MSC said.

READ MORE: Middle East: Cruise ships working with airlines to get stranded passengers home

The cruise line added that it is “pursuing every available pathway for the remaining guests - including commercial flights, further charter options and coordinated government-assisted solutions.”

As reported, the MSC Euribia was docked in Dubai when the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran broke out on Feb. 28 and been docked there ever since. 

After regional airspace closed, most commercial flights were grounded, and as Iran imposes a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz — a vital shipping route ships would need to navigate to reach safer waters — cruise passengers have been left stranded.

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