An Air France aircraft en route to Dubai to repatriate French citizens was forced to abort its mission mid-flight due to missile attacks observed in the region.
The empty plane, which had departed from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to collect stranded passengers in the United Arab Emirates, had to turn around as the security situation deteriorated.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed the incident on Thursday evening, stating that the flight “meant to repatriate our fellow citizens from the United Arab Emirates was forced to turn around this evening due to missile attacks in the zone.” He emphasised that the event underscores the volatility in the region and the significant challenges involved in evacuation efforts.
“We are aware of the justified expectations of our fellow citizens on the ground, but we can only bring them back if safety conditions are guaranteed,” Tabarot said.
The minister specified that no passengers were aboard the aircraft at the time of the U-turn, as the plane was travelling empty specifically to collect French nationals.
Air France later confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that Flight AF4190, bound for Dubai, was forced to return to its origin.
