“This is a relief to see them coming off the plane, seeing them back with their families and loved ones,” said Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad on Wednesday shortly before the first passengers arrived.
He thanked the RSAF team for bringing the Singaporeans and their dependents home.
“When called upon, they showed courage, fully knowing that going into the region meant coming under attack. This is something that I salute them for, their bravery, and this is something they have done without hesitation.
“This is the right thing to do. This is our duty to bring Singaporeans home.”
MINDEF had said the airspace in Saudi Arabia remained open and that the necessary diplomatic clearances had been sought to conduct the repatriation flights.
The deployment of the aircraft is solely to support the assisted departure operations, according to the ministries.
The US and Iran ramped up threats on Tuesday as the Middle East war raged on. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of the “most intense day of strikes” in Iran, while Iranian parliament speaker said that the country was definitely not looking for a ceasefire.