UPDATE: A crucial repatriation flight has just departed for Jordan, bringing home 87 stranded individuals amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced the flight in a video posted earlier today, confirming that it includes 83 Hungarians, alongside two Romanians, one Slovak, and a Colombian citizen.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With over 4,000 Hungarians currently trapped in the United Arab Emirates and significant airspace closures in Israel, many are in immediate danger. “They will basically be passengers who had been staying in Israel,” Szijjártó explained, noting that the airspace over Israel is closed, forcing citizens to exit the country by land.
Earlier today, a group of 51 pilgrims successfully crossed into Jordan, assisted by Hungarian authorities, and will be among those returning home on this flight. Szijjártó reassured families, stating, “We can bring them home this week,” emphasizing ongoing support from Jordanian authorities for stranded citizens.
As part of the repatriation efforts, Szijjártó confirmed that additional flights are scheduled, with another repatriation flight set to take off tomorrow from Amman. On Friday, flights will also commence from Sharm El-Sheikh, allowing those trapped in Israel to return via land routes. “Wizz Air will increase its Sharm El-Sheikh flights to ten per week, facilitating scheduled returns,” he added.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister remains in close contact with his counterparts across the region to ensure the safety of citizens. “Unfortunately, airspace closures hinder returns,” Szijjártó stated, highlighting the ongoing crisis as Iran continues its military actions, exacerbating the situation.
To further address the crisis, Szijjártó has held discussions with foreign ministers from both the UAE and Jordan. Each of these conversations underscores the severe conditions in the area, with airspace reopening only gradually and under strict limitations.
“I just spoke again with the foreign minister of the UAE,” he said. “Their airspaces are reopening slowly, but we are doing everything possible to assist Hungarians in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”
The situation for stranded Hungarians remains critical, and Szijjártó confirmed that the government will continue to coordinate repatriation efforts as more flights are planned. “As soon as airspace becomes accessible, we will assist everyone in returning home as quickly as possible,” he concluded.
This developing story underscores the dire circumstances affecting thousands of Hungarians and the urgent need for continued support and communication from government officials. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.
