A C‑130J Hercules is preparing to depart Auckland this morning as the Government steps up contingency planning for a possible evacuation of New Zealanders from the Middle East.
Speaking from Auckland's Whenuapai Airbase, Defence Minister Judith Collins said one Hercules was scheduled to leave Auckland this morning, while a second aircraft, currently in South Korea, would be redeployed to the Middle East.
Collins described the situation in the region as “dangerous and complex”, saying the New Zealand Defence Force had been conducting “extensive” preparation work. Personnel and aircraft may need to remain deployed for several weeks if an evacuation is triggered, she said.
She would not confirm the routes the aircraft would take or the bases they might operate from, citing operational sensitivities.
New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates had been contacted by officials overnight and asked about their plans and current circumstances.
Collins said the situation on the ground remained "very uncertain", with a range of options still being considered.
"I know our consular and NZDF teams are exploring all options to support New Zealanders elsewhere in the region, as security conditions allow."
Decisions on whether to initiate an evacuation operation have not yet been made, but preparations were continuing so the Government can act at short notice if required.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the events in the region were "fast-moving, dangerous and complex".
"Our primary focus is on assisting New Zealanders in the region to the extent possible in this very challenging security environment."
He said the Government could not be sure when or how civilian evacuations might occur, but that "we want to be ready if and when conditions on the ground make them possible".
All New Zealanders in the Middle East were urged to register on SafeTravel.
RNZAF Wing Commander Brad Scott said the recently purchased aircraft were "extremely versatile" and best equipped for the current task.
"The C-130 Hercules is an extremely well-equipped aircraft to support these types of events and activities has very similar scenario to what we've been involved with in the Middle East, in the past, or in the wider Pacific, or indeed at home during events like Cyclone Gabrielle."
The aircraft would take a few days to get to the region, he added.
Emirates fully resumes NZ flights as airspace begins to reopen
Meanwhile, Emirates has resumed its full New Zealand network of flights as airspace starts to reopen in the Middle East.
The airline said inbound and outbound services between Christchurch and Dubai would resume today.
Flights had been heavily disrupted by drone and missile strikes across the Middle East, with its global schedule still reduced.
"The airline anticipates a return to 100% of its network within the coming days, subject to airspace availability and the fulfilment of all operational requirements."
Passengers were advised to go to airports only if they have a confirmed booking, as the airline prioritises customers with earlier disrupted travel.
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