Posting on X, Philippe Tabarot said the Air France aircraft, “chartered by the government” to repatriate French nationals from the Middle East, had to abort its mission because of missile fire in the area.

“Despite the efforts deployed, in coordination with the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, to continue the repatriation of French nationals who wish to return from the Middle East, the Air France flight chartered by the government to retrieve our compatriots from the United Arab Emirates was forced tonight to turn back due to missile fire in the area,” Tabarot said.