TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A second group of Taiwanese stranded in Dubai due to the Middle East conflict arrived at Taoyuan International Airport on Thursday (March 5). They returned home on Emirates Airline flight EK-366, with their faces reflecting the joy of homecoming.
The flight carried a total of 539 passengers, including 252 Taiwanese, 260 foreigners, and 27 crew members. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) mobilized its Middle Eastern offices to ensure the safety of Taiwanese citizens. This arrival followed a previous group that returned on Wednesday (March 4), as part of ongoing efforts to bring everyone home safely.
Returning passengers stated that they had mostly covered their own costs. Hotels had not received any government notifications about covering these expenses. Some passengers also recounted harrowing experiences during their stay in Dubai, witnessing missile strikes and hearing the noise of fighter jets and falling shells.
Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) announced plans to initiate land evacuation measures due to the closure of Qatari airspace. These measures will arrange for transiting passengers in Qatar to travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for further flights. The ministry will continue to adapt its measures in response to international developments to ensure the safe return of all citizens.
