DHS Deploys Newly Acquired Boeing 737s to Repatriate U.S. Citizens from the Middle East

Two recently acquired Boeing 737-700 aircraft operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are currently being used in operations to repatriate American citizens from the Middle East. Notably, the aircraft appear to have been deployed for this mission almost immediately after delivery to DHS, rather than for their originally intended role.

At present, three DHS aircraft appear to be involved in the operation, flying mainly between destinations in the Middle East and Athens, which seems to be functioning as a logistical hub for the repatriation flights.

Gulfstream G650 supporting the operation

In addition to the two Boeing 737s, a Gulfstream G650 registered N473US also appears to be supporting the operation. The aircraft flew on March 4 from Washington to Chania, Greece. On March 6 it departed Chania for Abu Dhabi, returning to Chania the following day. On March 8 the aircraft conducted a return flight to Athens. The flight patterns suggest that the Gulfstream may be supporting the operations of the two Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

New 737s originally intended for deportation flights

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed in December 2025 that it had agreed to purchase six Boeing 737 aircraft to be used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation flights.

However, at least two of these aircraft appear to have been deployed immediately after delivery for a different mission: the evacuation and repatriation of American citizens from the Middle East.

N474US operating shuttle flights across the region

The second aircraft, N474US, flew on March 4 from Lake Charles, where it was painted, to Washington. The following day it continued via Reykjavik and Belfast to Chania.

On March 6 the aircraft flew onward to Tel Aviv and then to Athens. From there it continued to Abu Dhabi, followed by several regional flights including Istanbul.

On March 8 the aircraft flew from Abu Dhabi to Athens. Later that day it departed Athens for Doha, before returning once again to the Greek capital. On March 9 the aircraft flew Athens-Doha-Athens. On March 10 the flights were Athens-Doha-Athens-Tel Aviv-Athens.

N475US: from repaint to evacuation mission

The third aircraft, N475US, flew on March 6 from Lake Charles to Washington. At Lake Charles the aircraft had just been repainted, changing from the Avelo Airlines livery to an all white scheme.

Only a few hours later the aircraft departed for Tel Aviv, making stops in Shannon and Chania along the way. After visiting Tel Aviv the aircraft continued to Athens.

On March 8 the aircraft flew from Athens to Abu Dhabi, and on March 9 it is scheduled to return to Athens. On March 9 it flew Athens-Abu Dhabi-Athens -Tel Aviv-Athens. On March 10 it flew Athens to Chania.

Athens emerging as operational hub

The flight patterns of both the Boeing 737-700 aircraft and the Gulfstream suggest that Athens is currently functioning as a key transit hub for DHS repatriation operations involving the Middle East.

The rapid deployment of newly acquired DHS aircraft for this mission illustrates the flexibility with which the U.S. government is able to use its aviation assets in response to international situations involving American citizens abroad.