site.btaEight Aircraft on Standby to Carry Out Evacuation Flights for Bulgarians in Middle East

Up to eight aircraft of varying capacity, as well as, if necessary, the government Airbus A319 aircraft , are on standby to carry out evacuation flights for Bulgarian citizens from the Middle East at short notice, the press center of the Ministry of Transport and Communications said on Monday.

The press release states that talks have been held since February 28 with the management of all Bulgarian airlines that have aircraft or operate in the region.

As part of the measures undertaken, the available aircraft are being identified, along with the possibilities for securing the necessary takeoff and landing slots and the operational parameters of potential flights. The process is being carried out in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the competent national institutions, partner countries in the region, and the member states of the European Union.

Ensuring the safety of Bulgarian citizens and creating conditions for their timely return at the first safe opportunity remains the leading priority, the ministry said.

Active coordination is also being maintained with the aviation authorities of other EU member states, including the exchange of information regarding planned evacuations, opportunities for joint actions, and the mutual use of available capacity.

On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Israel and the United States had carried out joint strikes on Iran, which led to the suspension of a number of flights in the region.

On Sunday, caretaker Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva said that around 1,400 organized tourists with tour operator programs are currently in countries in the Middle East. The largest number of them are in Dubai, followed by Jordan.