Emotional scenes unfolded late Saturday night at Athens International Airport, as a special repatriation flight from Dubai brought hundreds of Greek citizens safely home.
The massive Emirates Airbus A380 landed shortly before 11:30 p.m., operating flight EK2553, which had been arranged by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aircraft carried about 450 Greek nationals who had been stranded in Dubai amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Emotional reunions at Athens airport
Dozens of relatives and friends had gathered at the arrivals hall as early as 9:30 p.m., waiting anxiously for the flight to land. When the passengers finally emerged, many were greeted with hugs, relief and visible emotion after days of uncertainty.
For families who had feared for their loved ones’ safety, the arrival marked the end of an anxious wait.
Passengers describe tense days
Several passengers described the tense atmosphere they experienced in recent days, recalling repeated interceptions and the constant sound of explosions.
“One of the first days was particularly intense,” one passenger recalled. “You could hear explosions again and again. It created a strange and unsettling atmosphere.”
Another passenger, a mother traveling with children, spoke about the emotional strain of hearing the sounds of conflict while trying to remain calm.
“We’re fine, and the state handled everything very well and in an organized way,” she said. “But even when you know you are protected, it is frightening to hear those sounds.”
She added that the unfamiliar noise of explosions created moments of anxiety despite reassurances that defenses were intercepting incoming threats.
“I never experienced a strike near me,” she said. “But hearing those sounds was something very unusual for us.”
Another passenger described a security incident involving a drone attack that was intercepted.
“It was a difficult situation, and we were aware of what was happening,” she said. “There was a drone attack that was shot down, and we were moved into a room so we could stay safe.”
Despite the tension, she noted that life in Dubai had continued largely as normal and said she plans to return soon, as the city is her permanent home.
“There was a small incident at the marina,” she said. “But overall people are fine. I plan to return home in about ten days.”
Source: in.gr
