UPDATE: The first repatriation flight for stranded Hungarian citizens has just departed for Jordan, as tensions escalate in the Middle East. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed the flight, which will bring home 87 people, including 83 Hungarians, two Romanians, one Slovak, and a Colombian citizen, in a video posted on Facebook earlier today.
The urgent flight comes amid a complete airspace closure in Israel, forcing many citizens to seek alternative routes. “They will basically be passengers who had been staying in Israel,” Szijjártó stated. “We assisted a group of 51 pilgrims to leave Israel by land for Jordan, and today we are bringing home around 30 others from Jordan.”
Further flights are already planned, with another repatriation flight scheduled for tomorrow, and a third expected to depart from Sharm El-Sheikh on Friday. “Those stranded in Israel due to the airspace closure can leave the country by land towards Jordan or Egypt,” he explained.
Szijjártó emphasized that the Hungarian government is in constant communication with its counterparts in the region to facilitate the safe return of as many Hungarians as possible. “Unfortunately, airspace closures make it impossible for Hungarians to return home in several places for the time being,” he added.
The situation remains dire, with more than 4,000 Hungarians still in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Szijjártó noted that UAE officials are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of their citizens. “The airspaces are reopening only slowly and with strict limitations,” he warned, citing issues with flights including a delayed 1 PM flight from FlyDubai to Budapest, which may now leave around 2 AM if conditions allow.
In conversations with Jordanian authorities, Szijjártó confirmed that Jordan has been instrumental in assisting Hungarians crossing from Israel via land borders. “Those we assisted into Jordan will be flown home with special flights from Amman,” he stated. Additionally, flights from Sharm El-Sheikh are expected to increase as Wizz Air prepares to ramp up its services.
Szijjártó remains vigilant, stating, “I am in constant contact with my Arab counterparts. As soon as airspace becomes accessible, we will assist everyone in returning home as quickly as possible.”
As the situation unfolds, the Hungarian government continues to prioritize the safety and swift repatriation of its citizens. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
