Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aircraft returned to Singapore on Wednesday (11 March) with 218 Singaporeans and their dependents on board.
The military flight had been deployed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to help repatriate Singaporeans who were unable to leave the region.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
The aircraft landed at Singapore Changi Airport at 6.02am, where family members were waiting to welcome their loved ones home.
On Monday (9 March), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) activated the RSAF to conduct repatriation flights from Saudi Arabia.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
Many commercial airlines and airports in the region were unable to resume normal operations due to the ongoing conflict, making it difficult for Singaporeans to leave.
As such, the RSAF deployed an A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft to Riyadh to bring Singaporeans home safely.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
Photos provided by MINDEF showed Singaporeans of all ages boarding the aircraft in the Saudi capital.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
The passengers included families with young children, many wearing smiles of relief as they prepared to depart.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
RSAF personnel were also seen assisting elderly passengers as they boarded the aircraft.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
The MRTT departed Riyadh on Tuesday night (10 March) with the 218 passengers on board.
After landing in Singapore early the next morning, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad greeted the passengers on the tarmac.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
In a Facebook post, Mr Zaqy shared that some of the returnees had been stranded in the region for several days with no commercial flights available.
Others had been caught close to the conflict. One passenger reportedly saw armed drones flying past their apartment, while another heard explosions near where they were sheltering.
“When I touched down and heard the pilot say the words ‘welcome home’, I teared up,” a passenger shared.
Many were later seen reuniting with relieved family members waiting at Changi Airport.
Source: The Republic of Singapore Air Force on Facebook
Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong said the Government had arranged several commercial flights to help Singaporeans return from the Middle East.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
However, he noted that some locations remain inaccessible via commercial routes, which led to the deployment of the RSAF aircraft.
He also urged Singaporeans still in the region to ensure they are eRegistered with MFA, so the authorities can reach them quickly if needed.
The RSAF is planning a second MRTT flight to Saudi Arabia on Thursday (12 March) to continue supporting the assisted departure of Singaporeans from the Middle East.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
Mr Zaqy also thanked the RSAF personnel who volunteered for the mission.
This is our duty. To bring Singaporeans home, back to their families and loved ones, safe and sound.
Also read: S’pore sending RSAF aircraft to evacuate S’poreans from Saudi Arabia, flights on 10 & 12 March
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Featured image courtesy of MINDEF and adapted from The Republic of Singapore Air Force on Facebook.