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Slovak Defence Ministry actively assists with evacuation of people from Middle East

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

18.06.2025

The first repatriation flight from the Middle East region landed at M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava on Monday evening 17 June 2025. On board the aircraft were 73 evacuees from several countries, including 30 SVK nationals - 25 tourists and 5 SVK Embassy staff. The evacuees were welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár, and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok.

Launched by Slovakia in response to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, the Slovak Defence Ministry is playing a key role in the voluntary evacuation process for SVK citizens who wish to be airlifted to safety. On 16 June 2025, a Slovak Air Force Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft departed for Cyprus's Larnaca, from where it conducts shuttle flights between Jordan and Cyprus. 22 soldiers of the Slovak Armed Forces have been involved in the evacuation mission, including operatives of the Special Operations Forces (SOF), officers of the SVK Military Police, military medical personnel, and crew.

Speaking from Štefánik Airport in Bratislava, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák said: "The strength of the State lies in its ability to respond quickly and decisively to protect the interests of SVK nationals and those who have asked us for solidarity. The Slovak Armed Forces are once again proving themselves ready to face international crisis situations - and I am proud of their professional performance!"

On this occasion, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár said: "Diplomatic coordination has played a key role in this process. We were one of the first countries to evacuate our nationals. We launched the operation immediately after tensions escalated in the region."

Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok said: "Our priority is to secure the safe return of our citizens home. The effective cooperation between our ministries has allowed us to act quickly and professionally."

The first evacuation flights took place in several phases. On 16 June, a SVK AF C-27J Spartan airlifter flew from Slovakia to Cyprus's Larnaca. On the same day, it transported the first 22 people from Jordan's Aqaba to Cyprus, including one child of SVK nationality. Another flight followed, in which 9 people were evacuated.

On the evening of 16 June, 73 evacuees from various countries, including 30 SVK nationals, arrived in Bratislava from Jordan's Amman. Two more C-27J Spartan flights were scheduled for the following day, to evacuate 15 and then 12 passengers by air. The number of passengers is continuously adjusted to match the requests for evacuation.

Given the deteriorating situation in the region, it is likely that additional evacuation flights will be conducted from Bratislava Airport to Jordan's Amman to bring more citizens to safety.

Significant assistance is also provided by a team of the Slovak Samaritans Association, who provide medical and psychological care on board evacuation aircraft as part of the EURACARE Flight & Shelter (EURACARE F&S) programme.

Thanks to the coordinated action of its military, security, diplomatic and humanitarian elements, Slovakia has once again confirmed its readiness and ability to act in emergencies and protect its citizens and offer help to those who need it. Thanks to the swift cooperation of the Ministries, the professionalism of the Slovak Armed Forces, and support from humanitarian organisations, evacuation efforts have been conducted in a safe and coordinated manner - in a spirit of humanity and solidarity.