A group of 37 Portuguese citizens, mostly elderly, is currently stranded in Jordan following the closure of airspace due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The travelers, who were on vacation, accuse Portuguese authorities of insufficient support.
Carlos Lima, one of the stranded, shared with Lusa that their return flight was initially postponed to Monday night but remains uncertain as the airspace is closed. The group is staying in Amman, which lies on the route of missiles exchanged between Tel Aviv and Tehran, frequently hearing sirens and witnessing missiles overhead.
Paulo Rangel, Portugal's Foreign Minister, assured that a repatriation operation is underway, describing it as complex due to the need for extensive road travel. He emphasized that the situation in Jordan does not pose immediate security risks, prioritizing citizens in more perilous locations like Iran and Israel.
Rangel detailed the challenges of organizing such operations without compromising safety, hinting at a possible return to Portugal by June 18. He also reminded that travel to the region has been discouraged since October 2023, urging citizens to register with consulates when traveling to conflict zones.
The stranded tourists express deep concern, with families back home in panic. Lima criticized the lack of direct communication from Portuguese authorities, a claim Rangel denied, stating ongoing support since Friday. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of casualties, with both sides launching significant attacks.
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