German government working on evacuation plan for German tourists: Around 30,000 are in Middle Eastern countries

(Patria) - The German government is preparing for the evacuation of German tourists from the Middle East. It is estimated that there are around 30,000 tourists who traveled through German tour operators. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) announced that several planes will be sent to the region to bring stranded Germans home. The planes will be sent to Muscat in Oman and to the Saudi capital Riyadh, Foreign Minister Wadephul said, reports Die Zeit.

He said he spoke with Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr and that the airline has the necessary capacity.

"We want to help Germans get home," Wadephul said.

Special attention is being paid to the repatriation of vulnerable individuals such as children, the sick, and pregnant women. The federal government could also charter private planes at the taxpayer's expense and, as a last resort, use German armed forces aircraft. However, details are yet to be clarified.

The minister confirmed that an evacuation plan is being worked on, considering the capacity of Muscat airport.

On Monday morning, Wadephul told the newspaper Bild that a military evacuation of German passengers was not possible.

"We will not be able to do that because the airspace is completely closed."