France, March 4 -- The aircraft chartered by Air France left Muscat, Oman in the early evening and landed shortly before 3am on Wednesday in Paris.

The Minister for French Nationals Abroad Eleonore Caroit told journalists at the terminal thataround 100 places had been reserved by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to bring back "the most vulnerable" people.

The flight was carrying customers and staff of the airline as well as families, young children, pregnant women, participants of a holiday camp and other passengers who were mainly in Dubai.

"The idea is to increase the number of such arrangements so that as many French citizens as possible can return home safely," she added. Airspace closed

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barro...