New Zealander Iran Escape: Flights Home Full
- A fire blazes in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, on 15 June 2025.
- A New Zealand woman, along with her mother and fiancée, has successfully fled Iran and arrived in Turkey after being caught in the escalating conflict.
- Amir Nagh, the woman's brother, confirmed the family's safe arrival in Turkey on Monday.
A New Zealander and her family have safely escaped Iran amid escalating conflict, but face significant hurdles in securing flights home. Flight availability to New Zealand is scarce, impacting teh family’s return. The family’s escape to Turkey offers temporary refuge, yet the challenging situation underscores the broader impact of the instability. Approximately 119 New zealanders remain in Iran, sparking concern and prompting government assistance. The New Zealand Defense Force is sending support. For continued updates on the crisis, and the efforts to assist New Zealanders, visit News Directory 3. Discover what’s next regarding the ongoing evacuations.
New Zealander Escapes Iran Amid Conflict; Travel Back to New Zealand Uncertain
Updated June 23, 2025
A fire blazes in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, on 15 June 2025.
Photo: Atta kenne / AFP
A New Zealand woman, along with her mother and fiancée, has successfully fled Iran and arrived in Turkey after being caught in the escalating conflict. The family was visiting Iran when the unrest began.
Amir Nagh, the woman’s brother, confirmed the family’s safe arrival in Turkey on Monday. He reported that arranging flights back to New Zealand is proving challenging due to high demand.
“She is having difficulty with arranging her flights back to NZ as everything is booked out,” Nagh said. “She managed to sort her mum a ticket to depart tomorrow,but her and her fiancée are currently working through their tickets with the airline.”
Nagh communicated with his sister via messaging, focusing on immediate needs. “We didn’t have time to celebrate, it was straight into action on her whereabouts, what she needs, sorting how to get money to her, what flights she will return on, sending her virtual copies of all her legal documents,” he said.
While relieved, Nagh expressed concern for other family members still in Iran. “Turkey is overwhelmed with the number of Iranians and everything is proving to be difficult: booking flights, accommodation, and getting money to her,” he said.
He added, “Every single one of them left the city of Tehran at a moments notice and have no idea when they’ll return,” highlighting the disruption caused by the conflict.
Approximately 119 New Zealanders are registered as being in Iran. A New Zealand Defense Force hercules aircraft is en route to the Middle East to assist with potential evacuations from the conflict zone.
What’s next
The New Zealand government is monitoring the situation in Iran and working to provide assistance to citizens seeking to leave the country. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.