Larnaca: Approximately 2,500 stranded Israelis were expected on Thursday to depart Cyprus on 21 special flights to Israel and Jordan, from Larnaca airport, while arrivals and departures to and from Israel are also taking place by boats at the city’s marina, amid strict security measures throughout Larnaca. In Limassol, the Crown Iris cruise ship was to depart this afternoon for the port of Haifa carrying around 1600 Israeli nationals.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Hermes Airports, the company managing Cyprus’ two international airports, reported that eight special repatriation flights were scheduled for Thursday to Haifa and another five to Tel Aviv. Additionally, eight flights were planned to Aqaba in Jordan, a neighboring country of Israel, to facilitate the return of Israelis to their homeland. In total, around 2,500 Israelis are expected to be transported on these 21 flights.
On the previous day, 13 flights were conducted, with nine heading to Haifa and four to Tel Aviv, successfully repatriating over a thousand Israelis who were abroad for vacations or business purposes and wished to return home.
Furthermore, information from CNA reveals that between Sunday and Wednesday, more than 100 boats arrived at Larnaca marina carrying approximately 460 people to Cyprus, with a similar number of individuals departing for Israel.
At Limassol’s port, Israeli nationals boarded the Crown Iris cruise ship, destined for Haifa. The boarding of around 1,600 passengers began in the morning. The Crown Iris, participating in Israel’s ‘Safe Return’ operation, was set to depart in the afternoon. As per the current schedule, the ship will make additional trips during the week and possibly one or two more next week.
Meanwhile, in Larnaca, the Police enforced stringent security measures with patrols and armed officers deployed at various locations, including hotels, Israeli businesses, the Jewish Synagogue, Larnaca airport, and the marina.