British News Agency

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot shared the latest information regarding the ongoing evacuation operations.

Stating that the first return flight this morning was successfully completed, Prevot said, "Return operations for our citizens continue without slowing down. At the moment, a Cyprus Airways charter aircraft carrying 162 Belgian passengers has departed from Larnaca for Brussels. The arrival at Brussels Airport is scheduled for this evening at 19:50."

Referring to the international dimension of the operation and the use of military aircraft, Prevot said, "Today, 134 people, including 74 Belgians as well as Luxembourg, French and Dutch citizens, will be safely returned on two A400M aircraft transporting them from Dubai to Hurghada. A charter flight from Hurghada to Brussels has been confirmed for this evening."

Emphasizing that the difficult process is an example of solidarity, Minister Prevot said, "This operation demonstrates the strength of European solidarity, particularly that of the Benelux countries. I would like to sincerely thank our teams on the ground, the Ministry of Defence, and all partner countries that made these operations possible."