12 flights from the Middle East were diverted to Cyprus as a result of route changes. At the same time, the republic is preparing to evacuate its citizens from hot spots in the region.
Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said 12 flights heading to cities in the Middle East were diverted to Cyprus. A total of 1,858 passengers were on board. Of these, 804 people were able to continue their journey, 349 were accommodated in hotels, and 705 were forced to remain at Larnaca airport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and airline operators have taken all necessary measures to ensure their comfortable accommodation.
Plan Estia and evacuation
Since October 2, the Estia plan has been in effect in Cyprus, designed to evacuate EU and third-country citizens from hot spots. However, according to Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, passengers stranded on the island were redirected not as part of the evacuation, but due to forced changes in routes.
At the same time, the evacuation of Cypriot citizens remains a priority. Approximately 1,000 Cypriots live in Israel and Lebanon, of whom about 100 have requested return.
Passenger flow and security measures
Every day, six to seven private boats arrive at the country's ports with Lebanese residents who can afford to leave the country in this way, as well as with members of the diplomatic missions of EU countries who are assisted in flying to their home country.
In particular, a commercial ship with 80 Chinese citizens recently moored in Limassol. About 500 people on 30 ships have arrived on the island in recent days, and the flow is expected to increase.
However, Foreign Ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis recalled that migration rules remain in force, and only EU citizens and visa holders can enter Cyprus.
The text was prepared based on materials from the publications Cyprus Mail, Phileleftheros
Meanwhile
Press Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Christos Pieris gave an official comment regarding the Iranian ballistic missiles, which residents of Cyprus were able to observe on the evening of October 1. He said that at night, in conditions of good visibility, the operation of the air defense system located on the ships of Israel's allies in the sea east of Cyprus was clearly visible. Pieris emphasized that the danger was far away. Read about what the Cypriots saw here: “An explanation was found for the mysterious glow in the sky.”
Cyprus has previously announced its readiness to launch the Estia plan, under which evacuees can stay in Cyprus for 24 to 48 hours before heading to their home country. Read more in the article “Cyprus is ready to accept refugees from Lebanon.”
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