An RNZAF C-130J Hercules aircraft departs RNZAF Auckland Base for the Middle East. Photo: NZDF/Jalesa Normani
The Defence Force Hercules plane has landed in the Middle East.
The aircraft left Auckland on Monday and was due to arrive at an undisclosed location by Friday local time.
The Defence Force said the plane has now landed and was in a "staging area" ready to help New Zealanders leave Iran and Israel.
The aircraft was alongside soldiers trained in evacuations.
Personnel are welcomed to the region. Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Defence Force
The plane is a contingency for when airspace in the region reopens.
Earlier it was reported 110 New Zealanders were registered on SafeTravel as being in Israel, while 139 were registered for Iran.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it arranged a land evacuation on Tuesday, but nobody took up the option.
It also said it has received requests from New Zealanders seeking to get out of Israel.
Defence Minister Judith Collins has reiterated people should leave if they can do so safely.
The Hercules arrives in the Middle East as part of Operation Kokako. Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Defence Force
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