URGENT UPDATE: The first repatriation flight for Hungarian citizens stranded in the Middle East has just departed for Jordan. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed this significant development in a video posted on Facebook, stating that the aircraft will bring home 87 individuals, including 83 Hungarians, two Romanians, one Slovak, and one Colombian.
The flight is a critical response to the worsening situation in the region, where a full airspace closure in Israel has left many unable to return home. “They will basically be passengers who had been staying in Israel,” Szijjártó explained. The flight follows the successful land evacuation of a group of 51 pilgrims from Israel to Jordan.
MORE FLIGHTS ON THE WAY: Szijjártó announced that another repatriation flight will leave on October 20, 2023, to bring more Hungarians back from Amman, Jordan. He also stated that flights from Sharm El-Sheikh will commence on October 21, 2023, allowing those stranded in Israel to exit via land routes.
“I am constantly in touch with my counterparts in the region to assist as many Hungarians as possible,” Szijjártó said. The ongoing airspace closures have made it increasingly difficult for Hungarians to return home, but efforts are being made to restore some flights.
In discussions with officials from the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, Szijjártó revealed that over 4,000 Hungarians remain stranded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The situation remains severe, with missile strikes causing significant disruptions. “My counterpart confirmed that due to ongoing attacks, their airspaces are reopening only slowly and with strict limitations,” he noted.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Szijjártó described the precarious conditions, stating, “Today’s FlyDubai flight to Budapest, scheduled for 1 PM, still hasn’t departed and may only leave around 2 AM, if all goes well.”
Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of Hungarians in the region. “Those we assisted into Jordan will be flown home with special flights from Amman,” Szijjártó affirmed. Furthermore, he confirmed that Hungarians who crossed into Egypt will return via a repatriation flight from Sharm El-Sheikh.
As the crisis evolves, Szijjártó remains in constant communication with Arab counterparts, emphasizing that every effort will be made to facilitate the return of citizens once airspace becomes accessible.
This urgent situation highlights the human impact of geopolitical tensions, with families anxiously awaiting the safe return of their loved ones. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
