Iran war: One Royal NZ Air Force Hercules returning home after Middle East alert
One Air Force C-130J-30 Super Hercules is heading back to New Zealand after being readied to help people caught up in the Middle East conflict.
Last Sunday, the Defence Force sent a C-130J overseas in case New Zealanders stranded by the conflict had to be evacuated from war zones.
It said two of the Hercules were positioned in the region and ready to assist. The location of the aircraft was not disclosed.
But the Defence Force tonight said one of the planes would be coming back to New Zealand.
“Due to low numbers of people wanting to leave the region and the availability of commercial flights, one of the two aircraft will return to New Zealand.”
One aircraft left RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai last weekend and a second one, which had been working in South Korea, joined it.
“The second aircraft and crew will remain in the region while the situation is assessed further,” a Defence Force spokesperson said Friday night.
“For operational security reasons, we haven’t been providing details of destinations or routes.”
Other personnel were working with consular staff in the Middle East.
The Defence Force said these people were assisting New Zealanders wanting to leave the region with the focus on overland options and travel on commercial flights.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said New Zealanders who could get out should leave the region on commercial flights or by road, as that would be the fastest way to safely leave.
Defence Minister Judith Collins last weekend said the Defence Force deployment was for consular and humanitarian purposes.
“They’re not going fully armed or anything like that. We’re just trying to get Kiwis out, and that’s our job.”
John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and court. He has previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.
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