Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched an emergency operation to assist hundreds of its citizens stranded in Turkey and Jordan following sudden flight cancellations, a senior official announced on Saturday.

Neywar Badie, a director in the KRG’s Ministry of Interior, said that around 300 travelers were left stuck at Istanbul’s airports after their flights were abruptly halted. Through diplomatic coordination, the KRG secured emergency entry visas and arranged for their safe return by land to the Kurdistan Region.

“A small number of citizens remain in Istanbul, but we have organized a flight to transfer them to Şırnak Airport in Turkey, from where they will cross into the Kurdistan Region via the Ibrahim Khalil border,” Badie said. He added that authorities at the border have been instructed to expedite the travelers’ passage.

In Jordan, another group of Kurdish pilgrims faced similar difficulties at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman due to visa complications after their flights were canceled. Badie confirmed that their cases were resolved, and they are expected to return to the Kurdistan Region by land soon.

The KRG’s swift response comes amid broader disruptions to air travel in the region, which have left numerous travelers—including students, medical patients, and pilgrims—stranded abroad. The operation highlights the regional government’s efforts to assist its citizens during emergencies.

No further flight suspensions have been announced, but the KRG advised travelers to check updates before departing.