A special evacuation flight took Greek citizens and their pets from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to Athens on March 12, 2026. The flight happened because a crisis in the Middle East caused travel problems. Several countries limited airspace, and many flights were canceled in places such as Dubai and Qatar. The flight was organized by the government and operated by Aegean Airlines. It carried 101 people and 45 pets, including dogs and cats. Officials said the flight helped travelers who could not leave the region. Reports said pets were safely reunited with their owners after a difficult trip.

The operation needed coordination between government offices and airline services. Authorities said the process was difficult because many airlines limited pets during emergency travel. Experts said animal safety was important, especially during long trips under stress. Passengers and animals faced delays before departure. Observers said including pets showed that animals are part of many families. This case may guide future emergency plans during large travel problems.