UPDATE: The first repatriation flight for Hungarians stranded in the Middle East has just departed for Jordan, confirmed Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in a video announcement today. This urgent operation comes as escalating tensions in the region leave thousands of Hungarians in peril.
The flight, which left on October 18, 2023, is set to bring home 87 individuals, including 83 Hungarians, two Romanians, one Slovak, and a Colombian citizen. “These passengers had been staying in Israel, where airspace is currently closed, forcing our efforts to shift to land routes,” Szijjártó explained. A previous group of 51 pilgrims was successfully assisted to leave Israel by land for Jordan.
Further flights are scheduled, with another repatriation flight planned tomorrow to bring more Hungarians home from Amman. “On October 20, we will also facilitate returns from Sharm El-Sheikh, as those stranded in Israel can leave the country by land to Egypt,” he added. Wizz Air is prepared to increase its flights from Sharm El-Sheikh to ensure timely returns, ramping up to ten flights per week.
Szijjártó remains in constant communication with officials from the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. He reported that over 4,000 Hungarians are currently stranded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to ongoing military actions that continue to disrupt air travel. “Today’s FlyDubai flight to Budapest, scheduled for 1 PM, is still grounded and may not depart until around 2 AM tomorrow,” he stated, highlighting the dire situation.
The Hungarian government is coordinating closely with authorities in the UAE and Jordan, who are providing vital support for the safe return of their citizens. “Jordan has been instrumental in helping many Hungarians cross from Israel via land borders,” Szijjártó emphasized.
As the crisis escalates, the Foreign Minister reassured stranded citizens that the embassies are operating at full capacity, ready to assist those in need. “My counterparts confirmed that they are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of Hungarians stranded under these challenging conditions,” he said.
The urgency of these repatriation efforts cannot be overstated, as closed airspaces continue to hinder return flights. “We are committed to facilitating the return of every Hungarian as soon as airspace becomes accessible. We will act swiftly to ensure their safe passage home,” Szijjártó concluded.
As this situation develops, families and friends of those stranded are encouraged to follow official channels for updates. The risks remain high, but the Hungarian government is making every effort to bring citizens back safely during this turbulent time.
