Due to the sudden deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East, the Republic of Croatia has initiated organised evacuation activities for its citizens, while the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs is urging the highest level of caution and advising against all travel to the affected countries. The authorities’ primary focus is currently on ensuring the safe return of Croatian nationals from crisis areas, in coordination with several domestic and international air carriers.
A key role in the operation is being carried out by the national carrier Croatia Airlines, whose aircraft has been deployed to conduct evacuation flights. This has enabled a swift response and the organised transport of Croatian citizens from the most affected areas, depending on developments on the ground and ongoing security assessments.
In addition, in cooperation with the private aviation company Trade Air, an additional aircraft has been secured to collect Croatian pilgrims from the State of Israel, via Egypt, and transport them to Lyon, from where they will be able to continue their journey to Zagreb. This routing was selected due to airspace restrictions and security considerations that currently prevent direct commercial operations from certain parts of the region.
The Croatian Civil Aviation Agency remains in constant contact with several international carriers to organise additional evacuation capacity if required. Discussions are also underway with Etihad Airways and flydubai regarding the possible transport of an additional contingent of Croatian nationals, particularly from the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries. Any further arrangements will depend on the evolving security situation and the availability of airspace.
Priority for return flights will be given to particularly vulnerable groups, including children, ill persons, and pregnant women, while all other Croatian nationals are urged to register promptly with the competent diplomatic and consular missions. A special appeal has been issued to citizens currently in the United Arab Emirates to register without delay to facilitate capacity planning and flight coordination.
Alongside the organisation of air transport, the Early Warning and Crisis Management System has been activated, enabling Croatian nationals using Croatian mobile numbers in the affected areas to receive security notifications and instructions. Croatia’s diplomatic network in the Middle East, in close coordination with European Union partners, is also considering the possibility of joint repatriation operations, should circumstances on the ground allow.
The Ministry emphasises that evacuation activities will continue to be adjusted in line with developments in the region, with the safety of passengers and crews remaining the absolute priority. More detailed information, including contact details of diplomatic and consular missions and registration instructions, is available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia.
