Three airlines based in the United Arab Emirates, namely Etihad, Emirates, and Flydubai, announced plans to conduct special flights aimed at evacuating people who are currently stranded in Lithuania. This initiative comes in response to recent military actions in the Middle East involving the United States and Israel attacking Iran, which has raised safety concerns and disrupted normal travel routes. Passengers are advised not to go to airports until they receive specific confirmations regarding their flights from the respective airlines.

The situation arose as a result of intensified military operations in the region, particularly following the strikes ordered by the US and its allies against Iranian targets, which included high-profile responses to threats posed by Iran's nuclear and missile programs. The actions taken globally in the Middle East have created a heightened state of alert, prompting the Lithuanian government to consider the evacuation of its citizens, aligning with broader EU strategies to ensure citizen safety amidst rising tensions.

Kęstutis Budrys, the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy, noted that any planned evacuations of citizens from the Middle East would be coordinated at the European Union level, indicating the seriousness of the situation and the collaborative approach needed to address the potential dangers faced by individuals abroad. This strategy emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and welfare of Lithuanian citizens among the ongoing geopolitical conflicts.