A plane carrying Portuguese citizens who requested repatriation from Israel has landed safely in Lisbon, marking a significant operation coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aircraft touched down at Figo Maduro aerodrome at 19:45 on Thursday, with Secretary of State for Communities, Emídio Sousa, present to welcome the arrivals.
The repatriation effort was initiated following the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which led to the temporary closure of Portugal's embassy in Tehran. The TAP flight, originally scheduled to arrive at 18:00, transported the citizens to Lisbon Airport, where families awaited their loved ones.
Highlighting the operation's success, Emídio Sousa revealed that the flight carried 69 individuals, including 48 Portuguese nationals, alongside citizens from Spain, Germany, Israel, the Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, Argentina, and Ukraine. "This first wave comprised those who expressed the desire to return. No further flights are currently planned," Sousa stated, praising the diplomatic services, the Air Force, and the government for their exemplary performance.
The conflict's backdrop traces to June 13, when Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities, escalating tensions in the region. Over 400 EU citizens from countries like Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, and Poland were also evacuated from Israel, with flights supported by the European Commission.
One repatriated citizen, Heitor Nunes, shared his experience, noting the ease of the process despite the unsettling circumstances. "Fear was never a factor, though I felt a bit insecure," Nunes remarked, acknowledging the unexpected nature of the conflict's escalation.
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