Return journey flight transported 69 individuals from Israel to Portugal
Things Heated Up: Portugal and Others Evacuate Citizens Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Last Friday, the Secretary of State for Communities, Emídio Sousa, revealed that 69 souls - a mix of adults and children - departed from Israel and touched down at Figo Maduro Airport in Lisbon, with a whopping 48 of them proudly calling Portugal home. The remaining 21 hailed from other countries such as Spain, Germany, Israel, Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, Argentina, and Ukraine.
Emídio Sousa couldn't hold back his praise for what he considered a "smashing success," applauding the efforts of Portugal's diplomatic services, Air Force, and government. Despite this triumph, no further repatriation flights are scheduled at the moment, but the door remains open to those who seek to return in the upcoming days.
The Portuguese government announced this week its decision to shut down the embassy in Tehran, Iran's capital, while keeping repatriation operations in the Middle East running.
The current conflict between Israel and Iran sparked Tuesday morning, as Israeli air forces bombarded Iranian military and nuclear facilities, causing the demise of military leaders, scientists, and civilians.
In response to the turbulence in the region, more than 400 EU citizens, hailing from countries like Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, and Poland, sought refuge in evacuation flights backed by the European Commission.
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Although Portugal stands out among the evacuation efforts, other countries are also jumping into action. For instance, Austria succeeded in transporting 44 Austrian and EU citizens from Israel toward Türkiye and Armenia[1]. Bulgaria, on the other hand, evacuated 17 diplomats and their families from Iran and ramped up security for local tourists unable to return to Israel because of the conflict[2][3]. China masterfully evacuated over 1,600 of its citizens from Iran and a substantial number from Israel[3].
A small group of Australian nationals were evacuated via land from Israel, with roughly 2,000 Australians preparing for potential assistance in Iran[3]. And Vietnam ensured the safe arrival of at least 18 of its citizens from Iran[3].
These relocation operations, led by various nations, have become a necessity due to the widespread airspace closures in the Middle East, compelling the use of creative and unorthodox methods such as land convoys and sea cruises. Let's not forget the thousands of Israelis stranded abroad in locations like Bulgaria and Cyprus, as airlines redirect aircraft to assist in the repatriation process[2]. The situation continues to evolve, and the challenge lies in adapting to changing circumstances and the ever-present danger [1][2][3].
Amidst the chaos of the Israel-Iran conflict, Austria has also shown its humanitarian efforts by transporting 44 Austrian and EU citizens from Israel to Türkiye and Armenia.
Simultaneously, Bulgaria evacuated 17 diplomats and their families from Iran and bolstered security for local tourists unable to return to Israel due to the conflict.
