**British Citizen Left in Limbo After Paying for UK Government Rescue Flight from Israel**
A British woman from London has voiced her frustration and anxiety after being stranded in Israel for over a week, despite registering and paying for a repatriation flight organised by the UK government. Mali Smith, 66, remains in Tel Aviv awaiting clarity from the Foreign Office, highlighting mounting concerns among British nationals hoping to return home amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Mrs Smith, a dual British-Israeli citizen and mother-of-two, travelled to her birthplace of Tel Aviv on 11 June to visit her elderly mother and catch up with friends. However, just days into her visit, hostilities in the Middle East triggered the closure of Israeli airspace on 13 June. As a result, Smith’s original return flights—booked with carriers Wizz Air and Israir—were both cancelled, leaving her among thousands of Britons seeking assistance.
The UK government soon announced a series of chartered evacuation flights from Ben Gurion Airport. The first of these Royal Air Force (RAF) flights departed on Monday, carrying 63 passengers to Cyprus before they were transported onwards to Birmingham. Yet, while several Britons have managed to repatriate through these flights, many, including Mrs Smith, have still heard nothing after registering with the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Speaking from Tel Aviv, Mrs Smith expressed her exasperation at the lack of information: “After both my flights were cancelled, I received an email from the Foreign Office promising an RAF plane would collect us. We had to pay £350 to secure a seat, yet days later I still haven’t had a response. I know there have been some flights, but many of us have simply been left waiting – and I don’t understand why the planes are so small, when so many need help.”
The situation has only added to the distress of those stranded. Smith, who resides in Hampstead Garden Suburb in north London, went so far as to book a separate commercial flight for $600 (£439) to London, saying she could “no longer cope with the uncertainty.” Further compounding the stress, she recounted stories of compatriots receiving calls from the UK government in the middle of the night, instructing them to reach the airfield at short notice, only for flights to be further delayed.
“I have contacted my local MP and the Foreign Office repeatedly,” she explained, “but no-one can give us any real answers. The lack of communication has left us feeling abandoned.”
While Israeli airspace reopened on Monday following news of a temporary ceasefire, Smith voiced fresh doubts about the continuation of the repatriation scheme. She fears the government may cancel the rest of the evacuation flights before all registered British nationals have been transported home. Despite some relief from the calming situation on the ground, uncertainty remains about the FCDO’s next steps.
Within the expat community, Smith says there is a strong sense of camaraderie and support: “Here in Tel Aviv, neighbours and friends have been wonderful. But it’s so difficult not knowing if or when you’re going home. The stress of being so close to the Iron Dome defences, with the constant noise, makes it hard to rest or feel secure.”
In response to the criticism, an FCDO spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safety of British citizens, stating, “The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. We continue to work around the clock in response to the crisis, organising multiple flights from Tel Aviv and prioritising the most vulnerable. Specialist teams are also stationed in Jordan and Egypt to support those crossing land borders.”
Nevertheless, the experience of Mrs Smith and her fellow Britons points to wider concerns around evacuation planning and communication with citizens abroad during times of crisis. As events continue to unfold in the Middle East and many await their chance to return home, calls for greater transparency and efficiency from the UK government are growing louder.
For Mali Smith and others still stuck in Israel, it is an anxious wait for news—while the hope remains that support will soon arrive and questions over refunds and further flights are resolved.