The Latvian Foreign Ministry reports that the immediate repatriation of over 800 Latvian citizens from the Middle East is unfeasible due to closed airspace in the region, except for a few countries.
The Latvian Foreign Ministry has announced that the repatriation of more than 800 Latvian citizens currently in the Middle East cannot be executed immediately. This statement comes amid the ongoing tensions in the region, where numerous citizens are located in various countries including Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The ministry is actively working with European Union member states to explore possible evacuation methods for these individuals, but logistical challenges remain significant.
The airspace over most Middle Eastern countries, except for Oman, Jordan, and intermittently Saudi Arabia, remains closed. Airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are currently operating only a limited number of flights, and the flight schedules can be adjusted based on the prevailing circumstances. As a precautionary measure, the Foreign Ministry advises citizens not to flock to airports unless their airline has confirmed specific flight times.
In light of this emergency situation, the Latvian Foreign Ministry has urged those in need to contact the Consular Department through a designated hotline for assistance. Furthermore, it was highlighted that two repatriation flights by the national airline airBaltic have already departed on Friday evening, attempting to address the urgent needs of some citizens while the overall situation continues to develop.
