The first chartered flight arranged by the United Kingdom government to evacuate British nationals from the Middle East amid the escalating conflict involving Iran failed to depart as scheduled on Wednesday night from Muscat, Oman. The flight was expected to leave at 11pm local time but was ultimately postponed, with officials indicating it has been rescheduled for Thursday.

Passengers described chaotic scenes during the attempted departure, citing hours of delays during check-in due to technical issues and a prolonged wait on a bus before boarding. One traveller said there were no consular staff present and that tensions escalated, with some people experiencing panic attacks. Families with young children and other vulnerable individuals were reportedly among those affected.

The disruption comes as thousands of foreign nationals attempt to leave the region following military action involving the United States and Israel and Iran's response. While commercial flights have resumed in some areas and more than 1,000 British nationals have returned on commercial services, Muscat has become a key transit point for those seeking to leave. Passengers from the cancelled charter have been returned to a hotel and told the plane is expected to depart once the pilot has completed a required rest period.