In a mission of compassion amidst conflict, nearly 100 dogs and cats were repatriated to Greece from the Middle East on a special evacuation flight coordinated by the Greek government.
The atmosphere at the airport was charged with emotion. As owners opened travel carriers and backpacks, small dogs leaped with excitement and cats were pulled into tearful embraces. For many of the evacuees, the journey marked the end of days defined by uncertainty and fear.
“Our pets are not luggage; they are part of our families,” stated Nikos Chrysakis, the Special Secretary for the Protection of Companion Animals.
The mission required intense collaboration between the Greek Interior and Foreign Ministries to bypass the logistical nightmares currently plaguing Middle Eastern travel, as retaliatory strikes between Israel, the U.S., and Iran have led to frequent airspace closures.
This specific flight from Abu Dhabi ensured that health protocols and safety measures were met so that no “family member” was left behind.
“To me, my pet, my cat is my family. There is no chance I’m going to leave him behind,” Danai Koukoulomati told AP. But she couldn’t find any flight accepting animals in the cabin or in the cargo hold. “It is very, very difficult to fly out of the country with your pets.”
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