The first group of Greek citizens stranded across the Middle East due to the ongoing regional crisis has safely returned home, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece.
Authorities confirmed that 162 Greeks and their family members who had been in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman have now been repatriated as part of coordinated evacuation operations.
The ministry said efforts will continue until all Greek citizens wishing to leave the region return safely to Greece.
Repatriation Operations Completed on March 3 and 4
The first wave of repatriations took place on March 3 and 4, 2026, with diplomatic missions across the region working together to organise travel routes for stranded citizens.
93 Citizens Flown Home from Oman
A total of 93 Greek nationals and their family members were repatriated from Oman aboard a special flight operated by Aegean Airlines.
The operation was coordinated by Greek embassies in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, ensuring the safe departure of the passengers amid heightened regional tensions.
42 From Bethlehem Crossed into Egypt by Road
Another 42 Greek citizens were evacuated from Bethlehem. They travelled by road into Egypt under the supervision of the Greek Consulate General in Jerusalem before continuing their journey back to Greece.
27 Young Athletes Returned via Istanbul
A group of 27 young athletes from the Aris Thessaloniki youth team also made their way home after being stranded in the UAE.
They flew from the Emirates to Istanbul and then travelled overland to Thessaloniki with assistance from the Greek Consulate General in Istanbul.
Greece Continues Assistance Across the Region
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that Greek diplomatic missions remain on full operational readiness to assist citizens affected by the ongoing conflict across the broader Middle East.
Officials also reminded Greek nationals in the region that emergency contact numbers and information for Greek embassies and consulates—including those in Iran and neighbouring states—remain active for those seeking assistance.