Special Tel Aviv-Yerevan Flight Safely Evacuates 190 Armenian Citizens Amidst Conflict: MFA

The Armenian government organized a special evacuation flight from Tel Aviv to Yerevan, ensuring the safety of its citizens and their families residing in Israel. The flight, initiated on October 16, successfully transferred 190 Armenian citizens and ethnic Armenians, including more than 70 children, from Tel Aviv to Yerevan, reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia.

Armenia's Foreign Ministry released a statement earlier this week, outlining their meticulous approach to forming the flight manifest. Applications received by the Armenian embassy in Israel and the Armenian Foreign Ministry were scrutinized, prioritizing families and the presence of children. The government was adamant about not dividing families during this evacuation process. The careful planning aimed to ensure the safe relocation of Armenian citizens and their families amidst the ongoing hostilities.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, including the Armenian Embassy in Israel, is closely monitoring the situation and will take additional measures when necessary," stated the Foreign Ministry.

The evacuation flight was facilitated in response to the applications processed by the Armenian government. Those eligible for evacuation were instructed to gather at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The flight, organized and funded by the Armenian government, departed from Tel Aviv at 1pm local time, making its journey to Yerevan.

However, the evacuation was not without its challenges. According to Artyom Chernamoryan, chairman of the Armenian “Nairi” Association of Petah Tikvah, Israel, and editor-in-chief of the Armenians of Israel newspaper, many individuals, particularly men, were relocating their children and intended to return on subsequent flights.

Chernamoryan highlighted the difficulty faced by families torn between leaving their homeland and ensuring their children's safety amid the escalating conflict.

"A working group has been formed; there is a headquarters to help people. The southern part of the country continues to be shelled, and children are mostly evacuated from there," emphasized Chernamoryan.

Despite these challenges, the special Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight landed safely at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia expressed its gratitude to all parties involved in the evacuation efforts, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and swift action during times of crisis. As the conflict continues, Armenia remains steadfast in its dedication to protecting its citizens and ensuring their safe relocation to secure environments.