Lithuanians in Middle East urged to react quickly to exit opportunities

VILNIUS - Fewer than 1,000 Lithuanian citizens remain in the Middle East and are urged to take advantage of emerging departure opportunities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The ministry said there were still about 70 free seats on a commercial GetJet Airlines flight to Lithuania on March 7. Around 100 travellers chose not to use the offered alternative flights and instead departed for other safe countries.

Since Saturday, the ministry, the Lithuanian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, and other diplomatic missions have helped roughly 60 more citizens leave the region by various means, it said.

“Diplomats continue to make every effort to reserve seats for Lithuanian citizens on possible flights to Lithuania or other safe states,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

“However, given the dynamic and rapidly changing security situation, active action by citizens themselves, readiness to make quick decisions, and to take advantage of emerging opportunities are very important,” the ministry added.

The Lithuanian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates also issued updated departure recommendations on March 7. Citizens are urged to monitor information on emerging departure options, respond promptly to evacuation flights offered by other countries, and immediately contact Lithuanian authorities if a suitable option arises.

According to the ministry, in addition to evacuation options offered by various states, commercial flights and private carrier offers are increasing in the region. Citizens are encouraged to actively and independently search for departure opportunities. Those holding return tickets for canceled flights are advised to contact the airline immediately to change their ticket to the earliest available flight.

A government-organized evacuation flight for the most vulnerable individuals landed at Vilnius Airport late Friday, carrying 166 passengers, including 117 Lithuanians, 25 Latvians, 23 Estonians, and one Romanian.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs chancellor, Aiste Stakeniene, told media on Saturday that no further government-organized evacuation flights are currently planned, and citizens are expected to return via commercial or other countries’ evacuation flights.