More than 200 Singaporeans and their dependents have returned home aboard the first Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) evacuation flight from Saudi Arabia, arriving at Changi Airport Terminal 2 on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026. The flight was launched in response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, providing a crucial lifeline for citizens and their families seeking to leave the region.
The repatriation effort, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), focused on assisting Singaporeans in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Passengers expressed immense relief and gratitude for the swift action taken by the Singaporean government. The successful operation underscores Singapore’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad during times of crisis.
Ms. Malathi Keshvani, who travelled with her family from Doha to Riyadh to board the evacuation flight, described the comfort of seeing Singaporean soldiers on the RSAF A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). “The way they spoke to us, the Singapore way of making you feel… When you hear these things, you feel like ‘oh you’re already home’,” she shared, according to Channel NewsAsia. She added that the pilot’s assurance of safety, even even as flying through the airspace, was deeply reassuring.
The evacuation flight departed Riyadh at approximately 10:30 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, after a journey of eight hours for some passengers, like Mr. Nick Nassier, who travelled from Doha. Nassier, greeted by family at Changi Airport, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “One can’t be thankful enough, seriously, we can’t be thankful enough. This proves so excellent to be back home again.” He also praised the efficiency of the MFA personnel involved in the operation.
Passengers highlighted the exceptional care provided during the flight. Mr. Senthil Nathan described the experience as superior to any other flight he had taken, stating, “I have to salute them, they took care of everything.” His daughter, Harini, added that while her father initially remained calm, he grew increasingly worried in the days leading up to the evacuation.
Journey from Doha to Safety
The journey to safety wasn’t straightforward for all. Ms. Keshvani and her family undertook a bus journey from Doha to Riyadh to reach the evacuation flight. This highlights the logistical challenges faced by Singaporeans seeking to leave the region amid the ongoing conflict. The MFA’s organization of the flight provided a vital pathway for those who were unsure how to safely exit Doha, offering assurance and support during a difficult time.
The first RSAF evacuation flight represents the largest repatriation effort undertaken so far, bringing 218 Singaporeans and their dependents back to Singapore, as reported by Mothership. A second military flight is planned to continue evacuating Singaporeans from the affected region.
The successful completion of this mission demonstrates the effectiveness of Singapore’s crisis management protocols and the dedication of its armed forces and diplomatic corps. The RSAF’s swift response and the MFA’s meticulous planning provided a much-needed sense of security and relief for Singaporeans caught in the midst of the Middle East conflict.
As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, the Singaporean government will continue to monitor developments closely and provide assistance to its citizens in the region. Further updates on evacuation efforts and travel advisories will be issued as the situation evolves. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
