REPATRIATION FLIGHTS OF CYPRIOTS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST BEGIN - Filenews 4/3
Flights for the repatriation of Cypriots who are in areas affected by the crisis in the Middle East begin today, Wednesday, based on what was announced on Tuesday night by the Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letympiotis.
In his statements, Mr. Letympiotis stated that "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the context of the overall management of the developments formed due to the regional crisis, and in particular in relation to the number of our fellow citizens who are in the UAE, informs that the chartering of flights for their repatriation has been launched". He added that the necessary arrangements have been completed and the relevant procedures are underway.
Mr. Letympiotis said that the flights are scheduled to start from Wednesday, "under the self-evident and non-negotiable condition of ensuring safety, always in accordance with the guidelines of the competent national airspace control authority of the UAE, and in coordination with the authorities of the region".
He also noted that officials of the National Crisis Management Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are already in direct communication with our compatriots who have registered their contact details on the Connectcy platform, in order to methodically organize the scheduling of flights. He also noted that no further action is required on the part of citizens who have already declared their contact details.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue with a consistent and intensive pace of action for the safe return of all our compatriots," added Mr. Letympiotis, stating that a flight from Egypt carried eight Cypriot citizens who were in Israel, as part of the wider repatriation planning.
"The protection and safe return of our citizens is an absolute priority and all competent services remain in constant coordination for the effective management of the situation," he underlined.
Update - The first repatriation flight from Dubai takes place today, Wednesday, it is expected to transport 180 people to Cyprus.
According to information, a Cyprus Airways aircraft took off from Larnaca airport at 7:30 in the morning and was expected to land in Dubai at 11:45 (Cyprus time).
The same information states that the Airbus A320-214 aircraft is expected to transport 180 people to Cyprus late in the afternoon.
It is estimated that there are about 700 Cypriots in Dubai and the estimates of the authorities are that two more repatriation flights will take place in the coming days, it is reported.
