KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has suspended its evacuation operation for citizens in the West Asia conflict zone following the reopening of airspace in most countries across the region.
The National Security Council (MKN) said the government will continue to assist in specific cases, particularly those involving security concerns or emergencies affecting Malaysians abroad.
“Malaysians wishing to return home are advised to book commercial flights, as airspace in most countries has reopened and flights to Malaysia are operating,” the statement, shared by the Malaysian Consulate-General in Dubai on X, read.
MKN stressed that for travel arranged through agencies or airlines, the responsibility for managing journeys and repatriating passengers rests with the service providers.
“The government always prioritises the safety and welfare of Malaysians abroad. In light of current developments in West Asia, the Malaysian government places great emphasis on the safety of its citizens and is closely monitoring the security situation in the region,” it added.
Malaysians are also advised to keep track of travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On March 11, 163 Malaysians stranded in several West Asian countries safely returned home on a special Malaysia Airlines flight under the evacuation programme. The flight also carried seven non-Malaysian family members — five Thais, one Indonesian, and one Moroccan.
A day later, on March 12, another 179 Malaysians arrived from Doha, Qatar. The group included 59 stranded citizens as well as residents of Qatar who had purchased their own tickets. Several Filipinos, Australians, and other nationals also took connecting flights to their respective countries upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
On March 16, Wisma Putra confirmed that most cases of stranded Malaysians had been resolved following the resumption of commercial flights and continued coordination by Malaysian diplomatic missions.
Latest updates show no Malaysians remain stranded due to disrupted flights in Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia. – March 19, 2026