In a swift implementation of the evacuation plan for citizens from Lebanon announced by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first flight on Kuwait Airways (Flight Number 504) arrived early today, carrying 226 passengers. Many citizens returning from Beirut expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Kuwaiti Embassy in Lebanon, for their communication and concern for those wishing to return amid regional developments. They indicated that they responded to the government’s call for their safety.
“Al-Rai” was present at (T4) airport to welcome the returning citizens from Lebanon. Citizen Fahad Al-Azmi stated: “My friend and I went to Lebanon and arrived in Beirut yesterday to spend the summer vacation, but as soon as the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the evacuation, the embassy contacted us via text messages. We informed them of our desire to return to Kuwait, and they changed our travel tickets and kept in touch with us until the plane took off. We can only say that they did a commendable job; it was the quickest trip, taking less than 24 hours, but our safety is much more important.”
For his part, citizen Khaled Al-Shulaimi said: “I would like to thank the political leadership, the Kuwaiti government, and our embassy in Beirut for reaching out and sending messages to citizens in Beirut, as the embassy and the airline made sure to inform us about the return opportunity. My flight was supposed to be in two days, but I preferred to heed the warning issued by our Foreign Ministry, which honestly played a national, legal, and ethical role in caring for Kuwaiti citizens, and this is not surprising from them.”
Additionally, Khaled Al-Majed remarked: “To be honest, things are fine and there is no cause for concern in Beirut, but as citizens, we were keen to return as soon as possible because the situation could change at any moment, making our return difficult. I urge citizens in Beirut to comply with the instructions of the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry, as the state has made significant efforts to provide large aircraft for those wishing to return and communicated via phone calls, text messages, and media announcements. We must adhere to the instructions without recklessness or leniency,” according to “Al-Rai” Kuwait.
