ARABIAN FLIGHTS

Planeload return for second night in row

- BY REBECCA BLACK

SAFE AND SOUND Dympna Mackin embraces her children as she arrives at Dublin Airport on a flight from Dubai

THERE were celebrations and relief for a second night at Dublin Airport with the arrival of the first planes from Dubai since conflict broke out in the Middle East.

People who had been working in the United Arab Emirates for several years as well as some holidaymakers were among the hundreds who landed home last night.

Dubai has been hit by missiles amid the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel, including explosions at the city's airport and the Fairmont Hotel, and it has also been impacted by widespread air space closures in the Middle East.

There are an estimated 24,400 Irish citizens in the Gulf region.

There will be further direct flights from the Middle East landing in Dublin today, including an Irish Government charter flight from Oman which is expected to transport around 280 passengers.

Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee expressed hope that hundreds, if not more than 1,000, will arrive in Dublin before the end of the week.

Dympna Mackin, from Mayobridge, Co Down, who had been in Dubai with her husband to celebrate her 40th birthday, walked through arrivals to hugs from family.