Mar 19, 2026, 2:07 p.mMar 19, 2026, 2:07 p.m
With a special repatriation campaign, Greece not only brought people but also numerous pets from the United Arab Emirates to safety.
A total of 101 Greek citizens and 45 pets were flown from Abu Dhabi to Athens at the expense of the Athens Foreign Ministry, Greek radio (ERTNews) reported.
After the attacks on Iran broke out, tens of thousands of tourists were stranded in the Middle East.
Many pet owners had tried in vain to leave the country on regular flights because many airlines refused to take pets with them. Instead of leaving their animals behind, they decided to hold out with them until they could return to Greece together.
«You are part of our family. “We would never leave them behind,” a woman told reporters after landing. Most of the animals traveled with their owners in the passenger cabin, although only a very limited number of animals are usually allowed there, as visibly happy and relieved passengers reported. (sda/dpa)