The Under-18 basketball team of Aris Thessaloniki arrived back in Thessaloniki after being stranded in Abu Dhabi amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

According to reports, following coordinated efforts by the EuroLeague and the team’s sponsor, and after communication with the Greek government, a charter flight was secured. The delegation flew to Istanbul and from there completed their journey to Thessaloniki by road. However, as reported by thesspost.gr, 13 parents and members of the delegation remain in Abu Dhabi, with no confirmed date for their return.

Nikos Tzoras, the U18 general manager and head of delegation, said the prevailing feeling was one of relief and safety, stressing that all the players had returned home to their families, which he described as the most important outcome.

He noted that the primary concern now was the safe return of those still in Abu Dhabi, including parents and accompanying staff. Aside from the first tense moments, which he characterized as worrying, he explained that the team had remained safe inside the hotel and that all the children were in good condition throughout.

Parents spoke of the anguish they endured. Iosif Symeonidis’ mother said the families had lived through nightmarish moments but were overjoyed to have their children back. She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to ensuring their safe return.

While Marios Messiniotis’ mother described how families first realized something was wrong. While watching Saturday’s game live, she said, the broadcast was suddenly interrupted, prompting fears that something serious had occurred. As they searched online for information, reports began to emerge of bombardments in Abu Dhabi allegedly linked to Iran.

She recalled that the families were stunned, unaccustomed as a country to such situations, though they were reassured by other parents that the team was in a secure location.

Haris Papageorgiou, president of the club,  said the team’s ordeal in Abu Dhabi had fortunately ended well and extended thanks, both personally and on behalf of the administration, to the EuroLeague, Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Greek embassies in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul for their decisive role in securing the children’s safe return.