Thousands of Americans still in UAE despite evacuation flights offered

The US State Department said it offered nearly 9,000 Americans and their family members seats on evacuation flights from the UAE.

Officials said around 300 seats were available on Wednesday’s flights but some remained empty after passengers boarded. At least one charter flight scheduled over the weekend was cancelled after no passengers arrived. 

Many Americans in the region have chosen to arrange their own travel or remain in the Middle East. 

Meanwhile, over 43,000 Americans have returned to the US since 28 February, most on commercial flights.