Foreign Ministry Chancellor: No Second Evacuation Flight Planned – Commercial Flights are Available from Other Countries
Lithuania's Foreign Ministry Chancellor stated that no additional government-funded evacuation flights will be taking place as there are commercial flights accessible and ongoing from other countries.
The Chancellor of the Foreign Ministry of Lithuania confirmed that there are no plans for a second government-ordered evacuation flight, as ongoing commercial flights from various countries are currently available. The official highlighted that although the situation could change, at this moment, efforts are focused on utilizing these commercial flights to assist individuals needing evacuation. The priority is to ensure that vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, families with young children, and those with critical medical conditions or disabilities, are accommodated.
This announcement follows a successful evacuation on Friday, where 166 individuals, including 120 Lithuanian citizens, arrived at Vilnius Airport (VNO) from the Middle East region amidst ongoing military actions. The evacuation aimed to bring back some of the most vulnerable individuals affected by the conflict. Notably, two families from Lithuania were unable to board the aircraft due to space constraints, who will instead return via a separate evacuation flight to Cyprus.
The Foreign Ministry's approach highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Lithuanians and other nationals in conflict zones and underscores the importance of coordination between countries in facilitating safe returns. As circumstances evolve, the Ministry remains vigilant in assessing the needs of its citizens abroad and responding appropriately to any changes in the situation, which could necessitate further action in future evacuations.