A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft has landed in the Middle East as part of New Zealand’s contingency plan to assist New Zealand citizens seeking to leave Iran and Israel.
The aircraft, which took off from Auckland's Whenuapai airbase on Monday, and other NZDF personnel were positioned in the region and on standby if required.
Earlier this week, Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment of the aircraft was part of contingency planning.
"By positioning an aircraft and Defence and Foreign Affairs personnel in the region, we may be able to do more when airspace reopens."
The contingent included New Zealand Army soldiers trained specifically for evacuation operations and were ready to operate out of a staging area if called upon.
Senior national officer Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Kelly said the team was "well-prepared and postured" to respond.
"Our priority is to work alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff to support those affected, to ensure we provide the care and urgency the situation demands."
No evacuation requests from Israel, Iran options 'extremely limited' — MFAT
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said there were currently 133 Kiwis registered as being in Iran and 111 in Israel.
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"Many travellers have heeded advice to leave through overland border crossings where it was safe to do so," an MFAT spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said demand from New Zealanders for assistance to depart Israel had "declined considerably in the last few days".
"We do not currently have any requests from New Zealanders for support to depart Israel."
In Israel, MFAT offered New Zealanders the option to depart via government-organised bus charters on June 24 and 25.
However, the situation in Iran remained "challenging and complex", they said, with options to support any New Zealanders trying to leave "extremely limited".
"At this time, land border crossings remain the only option. We are aware that some New Zealanders have departed via land border crossings, however given the situation and with limited communications in the region, it may not be possible for New Zealanders to update their information on SafeTravel."
All New Zealanders in the Middle East – not just in Iran and Israel – were urged to register on SafeTravel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was running 24/7 consular operations in the region.
New Zealanders in Iran and Israel needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry’s Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20.
