Closed airspace over parts of the Middle East is complicating the return of Slovak citizens. Dozens of tourists remain stranded in the high-risk region. While travel agencies are assisting clients on the ground, the government is preparing evacuation measures.
Air transport remains the main challenge. Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák said the closure of major air hubs has effectively paralysed regional transport and complicated evacuation logistics. “We are prepared to establish an evacuation bridge primarily from Jordan for those currently in Israel,” he specified.
The Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok confirmed on Monday that its aviation department will organise at least three repatriation flights from the Middle East this week. In addition to two flights from Amman in Jordan, a government aircraft will also pick up people from Muscat in Oman.
Travel agencies are also trying to help individuals who travelled independently. “They are stuck in these countries and have little information,” said Ľudmila Masariková, President of the Slovak Association of Tourist Agencies. According to her, the most common destinations for Slovak travellers are Dubai and Oman.
The Foreign Ministry has urged Slovak citizens not to attempt transfers to airports, to follow local authorities’ instructions and to wait for official updates. Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia is ready to evacuate its citizens once no-fly zones are lifted, adding that flying into restricted airspace would be extremely dangerous.
Former Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok expressed support for Slovak diplomats managing the crisis operation. “This is irreplaceable service to one’s country,” he wrote.
Source: STVR
