Greek citizens stranded in Dubai will soon be able to return home with their pets, after the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to organize a special repatriation flight to accommodate them.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ministry said it is arranging the transport of around 50 passengers who wish to travel back to Greece together with their pets, addressing a problem that had prevented many from boarding earlier evacuation flights.
The decision comes after several Greeks in the UAE appealed through animal welfare websites and social media, explaining that they were unwilling to leave their pets behind. Many reported that repatriation flights did not allow animals on board, leaving them stranded.
One of those affected, Olivia Sahinidou, said she attempted to board an evacuation flight operated by Emirates on March 7, but was denied boarding because she had her cats with her, despite having all the required documentation and permits.
Speaking to the animal welfare website zoosos.gr, Sahinidou said another evacuation flight scheduled for March 11 also did not allow pets on board.
She also warned of a growing problem in the UAE, where many pets have reportedly been abandoned as foreign residents flee the region but cannot take their animals with them due to travel restrictions or complicated bureaucratic procedures.
The situation sparked a wave of support on social media, with animal lovers urging Greek authorities and airlines to help stranded citizens reunite with their pets.
Under normal circumstances, airlines often allow a limited number of pets on commercial flights. However, special repatriation flights operate under stricter policies, and many carriers have reportedly declined to transport animals due to logistical challenges.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the special flight from Dubai is being organized specifically to address this issue, enabling passengers to travel together with their pets as part of ongoing efforts to evacuate Greek citizens from the broader Middle East region.
The ministry stressed that the operation will be conducted in strict compliance with all safety procedures and animal welfare regulations, ensuring both passengers and their pets can travel safely.
Greek authorities also reminded citizens wishing to be repatriated that they must first register on the official Foreign Ministry platform for Greeks abroad, corresponding to the country where they are currently located.
Further details regarding travel arrangements and timing will be provided once the operational planning of the repatriation mission is finalized.