The Lithuanian government plans to return around 100 citizens and groups of Latvian and Estonian citizens through an evacuation flight from Dubai.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Ε imonytΔ announced that an evacuation flight is scheduled for Friday to bring approximately 100 Lithuanian citizens back from Dubai, including some groups of citizens from Latvia and Estonia. The decision to organize this flight comes after assessing the limited operation of airspace, the complicated movement within the region, and the direct threat to the safety of citizens, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring the safe return of its people.
The Prime Minister noted that the majority of the flight costs are expected to be funded by the European Union, reflecting the cooperative efforts within the EU to address challenges stemming from the ongoing regional instability. Additionally, the Ministry of Transport has signed a contract with the airline FlyDubai to carry out the repatriation. The government is also actively exploring additional flight options and working with partners to further assist its citizens still in the region, which houses around 2,000 Lithuanians in total, with over 1,000 residing in the UAE in particular.
This move demonstrates the Lithuanian government's proactive approach to citizen safety amid challenging circumstances. The coordination of state institutions is evident as they work to facilitate the swift and secure return of citizens, aiming to mitigate risks associated with their potential exposure in a geopolitically sensitive area.
