Israelis continue to make their way back home on Thursday, with 21 outbound flights scheduled for the day, as well as vessels sailing out of Larnaca’s marina, all under tight security.
Hermes Airports sources said there would be eight flights to Haifa and five to Tel Aviv in Israel, as well as eight to neighbouring Aqaba, Jordan, all carrying Israelis who wish to return home.
A total of 2,500 will be returning to Israel on Thursday’s carriers.
On Wednesday, 13 flights – nine to Haifa, four to Tel Aviv – were carried out, taking over a thousand Israelis back.
These are people who were either on holiday or business trips abroad and wish to repatriate.
Cyprus News Agency sources said that from Sunday to Wednesday, over a hundred vessels sailed out of Larnaca’s marina with about 460 people on board going home and brought back about the same number of people wishing to leave the warzone.
Police measures are heightened at all departure points and areas where Israelis gather, such as hotels, Jewish businesses and synagogues. Armed police officers are posted at Larnaca’s airport and marina.
On Wednesday, Israelis flying back and other nationalities leaving the area said they had never seen such an explosive situation.
Tourists visiting Israel said the situation during the day was alright, however they had to head to shelters once the exchange of missiles resumed.
Israelis waiting for flights home said they wanted to go back, despite the situation, so that they could be with their families.
The Crown Iris at Limassol port