RSAF MRTT brings S’poreans home from Middle East

There were hugs, kisses, and tears as 218 Singaporeans and their dependents reunited with loved ones after the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF’s) A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) touched down at Changi Airport on 11 Mar.

The military aircraft had been deployed to bring them back home from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amid the conflict in the Middle East.

This is the first time a repatriation flight has been conducted with the MRTT.

Finally taking flight

“Four different flights, and they all…got cancelled again and again,” lamented Mr Kieran Gray, a Singaporean Permanent Resident.

The 35-year-old and his Singaporean wife, Ms Luo Pin Xuan, 38, were living and working in Doha, Qatar with their 3-year-old son, Monty.

When conflict broke in the region, they hoped to leave the country as soon as possible. But with airspaces closing and planes grounded, the family got increasingly worried.

“The stress level was definitely high,” said Mr Gray.

When the Grays learnt about the repatriation flight offered by the Singapore Government, they knew they had to take it.

Upon confirmation of the RSAF’s repatriation flight, Mr Gray and his family were “very, very relieved and grateful”.

Ms Luo’s brother – Mr Luo Chen Jun, 37 – was at Changi Airport with their parents in the early hours of 11 Mar to welcome them home.

“We were really worried (when the Middle East conflicts began),” Mr Luo explained.

“I think (this operation to help evacuate Singaporeans) really shows how our government not only cares about our people overseas, but also how seriously it takes the lives and well-being of Singaporeans in conflict areas.”

While the military flight was no-frills, Mr Gray and his wife described it as very comfortable and noted that the RSAF crew took good care of all the passengers.

“My son was excited to see the air force plane,” said Ms Luo.

“(Once we started flying), he fell asleep straight away!” Mr Gray added.

Doing their best for their fellow S’poreans

Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamed was at Changi Airport on 11 Mar to receive the returning Singaporeans and their families.

Speaking to media before the MRTT’s arrival, Mr Zaqy thanked the RSAF crew for their bravery: “The Middle East situation has become dangerous and volatile, with many Singaporeans left stranded, with no commercial flights available.

“When called upon, they (the RSAF personnel) showed courage, fully knowing that going into the region meant coming under attack… This is the right thing to do. It is our duty to bring Singaporeans home safely.”

Families reunited

Ms Samantha Herman, 44, has been living and working in Doha for over 20 years. She and her sons decided to accompany her mother, who has Alzheimer’s, back to Singapore while her husband stayed behind.

Recounting the flight, Ms Herman said: “Everybody was just relieved when we saw our men and women in uniform. The flight was amazing and seamless, and the military (aircrew) on board were fantastic.”

The family of five walked out of the arrival gate to a very warm welcome, as Ms Herman’s two sisters – Serene and Stefanie – and family friends turned up in full force, carrying balloons and bouquets of flowers.

“Our family (in Singapore) was very worried (so) we tried to keep them updated without making them panic,” Ms Herman explained.

Her mother, Mrs Irene Herman, commended the RSAF personnel on their hospitality, and enjoyed her time chatting with them during the flight.

The 77-year-old had been in Doha to visit her daughter and grandsons.

“My mother felt very safe during her journey home,” added Ms Herman’s sister, Stefanie, 48.

“We felt reassured when Samantha shared with us the Singapore Government’s plans to bring them home.”

Ms Dharini, 56, was greeted by her daughter, Sambhavi, 28, at the arrival hall after the repatriation flight.

Ms Dharini, who has been living in Doha with her husband for the last three years, was grateful to the Singapore Ambassadors to in Qatar and Riyadh for accompanying them each step of their journey home.

She also thanked the RSAF aircrew for being very helpful and well-organised, and appreciated that vegetarian food was offered to the passengers.

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all Singaporeans and the RSAF. You did a great job for bringing us home.”

A second MRTT flight – deployed to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 12 Mar – returned home with 81 Singaporeans and their dependents on 13 Mar.

Available seats were extended to nationals from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam after prioritising Singaporeans who registered.