Special ESTIA National Plan Activated Amid Airspace Closure
In response to the recent closure of Jordanian and Lebanese airspace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken decisive action by activating the Special ESTIA National Plan (level 3) as a precautionary step. This plan, designed to address emergencies and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals affected by international crises, is now in full swing.
The Ministry’s Crisis Management Centre is currently fully operational and maintaining a heightened state of alertness. This proactive stance underscores the government’s commitment to swiftly managing unforeseen disruptions and providing support to those in transit.
As a direct consequence of the airspace closure, Larnaca became an unexpected layover for 704 passengers en route to Jordan and Lebanon. The passengers found themselves grounded on four separate flights, which were rerouted to ensure their safety. The Ministry has confirmed that two of these flights have since continued on to Beirut earlier this morning, while one flight is scheduled to depart for Amman later this afternoon.
Among the travelers were 101 Jordanians, who received comprehensive assistance during their unscheduled stopover in Larnaca. The Ministry ensured that all necessary facilities were made available to them, facilitating a comfortable stay until they could safely resume their journey.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has been tirelessly working the phones, maintaining open lines of communication with his counterparts across the globe over the past day. His efforts are part of a broader strategy to coordinate an effective response to the airspace closures and to safeguard the interests of those affected.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is dedicated to staying abreast of the situation as it unfolds. Officials have pledged to continue monitoring developments with vigilance and are prepared to implement further measures as required to navigate through this disruption. The activation of the Special ESTIA National Plan and the ongoing efforts of the Crisis Management Centre are testaments to the Ministry’s readiness to act in the face of challenges that impact international travel and diplomacy.
