The government has confirmed that it will charter a flight to the Middle East to evacuate Irish citizens amid the intensifying conflict in the region. 

The charter flight will have capacity for 280 people and will be targeted at Irish citizens currently in the United Arab Emirates, particularly those who are non-resident and who are vulnerable and require assistance most urgently.   

Included among thousands of Irish stuck in the gulf are the couple John Keane and Eimear Kelly from Cork.