UK To Send Four Fighter Jets To Qatar And First Repatriation Flight For Britons Leaves Oman, Says PM Starmer

UK to send four fighter jets to Qatar and first repatriation flight for Britons leaves Oman, says PM Starmer British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will deploy four additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar as the conflict in the Middle East escalates, and confirmed that the first UK government‑chartered flight to bring British citizens home from the region has taken off from Muscat, as part of a large evacuation operation.Starmer made the remarks during a press conference on Thursday in which he outlined the UK’s response to growing instability following attacks involving the United States and Iran.The Prime Minister said four extra Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets will be sent to Qatar to strengthen defensive operations amid the ongoing conflict, which has drawn in multiple regional and Western military assets. He emphasised the UK’s objective of maintaining security for British personnel and allies in the area. Starmer described the deployment as part of a cautious but robust approach designed to balance military preparedness with diplomatic engagement as tensions persist. In the same briefing, Starmer confirmed that the UK’s first government‑chartered evacuation flight, arranged to carry British nationals out of the Middle East, had taken off from Muscat, Oman after a brief technical delay. Officials say the flight marks the beginning of what is expected to be one of the largest repatriation operations since Afghanistan evacuations. More than 130,000 UK citizens are known to be in the region, with many having registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for help returning home amid widespread flight cancellations and airspace restrictions linked to the conflict.Starmer also reiterated the government’s focus on providing “calm, level‑headed leadership” for the country during a period of global instability. He defended earlier decisions on military engagement, including the UK’s initial reluctance to allow strikes from its military bases, and stressed that protecting British citizens and their families remains a priority. “We have the right plan for defence,” Starmer said. “My focus is on providing calm leadership in the national interest.

Officials say additional repatriation flights including more government and commercial charters are expected to leave the region in the coming days as part of the UK’s effort to help citizens return safely. Passengers have faced logistical challenges, including early delays and cancellations, but authorities are working to scale up operations amid the volatile situation. The deployment of jets to Qatar reflects growing concern about the spread of hostilities across the Middle East following strikes and counter‑strikes involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Military reinforcement and evacuation operations run alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict and protect civilians and foreign nationals.