Greece has launched a series of emergency repatriation flights to bring its citizens home from the Middle East, with Aegean Airlines operating the missions at the request of the country’s Foreign Ministry.

The operation began Wednesday, March 4, when a special flight departed from Muscat‘s international airport in Oman and landed at Athens International Airport  carrying Greek nationals and members of their families.

Two additional flights are scheduled over the following days. A second flight from Dubai was set for Thursday, March 5, and a third is planned to depart again from Muscat on Friday, March 6.

According to newspaper Ta Nea, a Greek Air Force C-130 military transport aircraft is also due to arrive Thursday carrying close to 90 Greek nationals who had been in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

How to Get on a Flight

Greeks currently in the region cannot book seats through Aegean Airlines directly. Because the flights are being operated on behalf of the Foreign Ministry, passengers must register through official government channels. Greek citizens in the area are advised to contact the nearest Greek Embassy or consular authority and submit their details through the official Greek Citizens Registration Form.