Repatriation flights for Cypriot citizens located in areas affected by the Middle East crisis are scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The announcement was made on Tuesday evening by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has arranged chartered flights, primarily concerning citizens in the United Arab Emirates, as part of the broader management of developments linked to the regional crisis.
Arrangements and scheduling
In his statements, Mr Letymbiotis said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of the overall handling of developments arising from the regional crisis, has proceeded with the chartering of flights for the repatriation of Cypriots.
He added that the necessary arrangements have been completed and the relevant procedures are under way.
Flights are expected to commence on 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 stated.
Coordination through ConnectCy
Officials of the National Crisis Management Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are already in direct contact with citizens who have registered their contact details on the ConnectCy platform, in order to organise the flight schedule methodically.
Mr Letymbiotis noted that no further action is required from citizens who have already submitted their contact information.
Broader repatriation efforts
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue consistently and at an intensive pace its actions for the safe return of all our compatriots,” Mr Letymbiotis said.
He also referred to a flight from Egypt that transported eight Cypriot citizens who had been in Israel, as part of the wider repatriation plan.
“The protection and safe return of our citizens constitutes an absolute priority and all competent services remain in continuous coordination for the effective management of the situation,” he underlined.