There were emotional scenes at Athens ‘ Eleftherios Venizelos airport as the Greek mission to repatriate Greeks and their pets was completed, and both passengers and animals left the war-impacted Middle East.
Operation “Ark”, a repatriation mission, has been completed, bringing approximately 90 Greek pet owners back to Greece from Dubai, along with nearly 100 companion animals.
The special Aegean flight, arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, landed at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport a short time ago, where deeply emotional scenes unfolded as people and their animals arrived together after days of anxiety and uncertainty.
Most of the small four-legged family members were transported in specially designed carriers and travel bags, which their owners kept with them throughout the journey.
Dogs and cats—considered by many to be part of the family—were taken out of their carriers at the airport, and their owners embraced them, visibly moved.
The arrivals hall was filled with emotion. Some could not hold back their tears, having endured a difficult period of uncertainty before finally returning to Greece with their pets by their side.
The operation was organised through coordinated efforts to ensure that both passengers and animals could travel safely, in full compliance with all required procedures and health checks.