Ministry of Civil Aviation operates a flight carrying aid shipment

CAIRO – In accordance with the directives of the political leadership to follow up on the conditions of the Egyptian community in Beirut and provide them with all forms of support and care in light of the developments witnessed by the sisterly state of Lebanon, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, through coordination and co-operation with all relevant authorities and institutions in the state, operated an exceptional flight for the national carrier EgyptAir No. 1711 MS carrying a shipment of medical and relief aid with a capacity of 22 tons; consisting of 12 tonnes of tents and blankets from the Egyptian Armed Forces, and 10 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies from the Ministry of Health.

The plane arrived at Beirut Airport this afternoon and carried on board in its return flight to Cairo International Airport 286 Egyptian passengers wishing to return to their homeland.

The plane arrived at Cairo International Airport at 7 pm today, where a public relations team from EgyptAir and Cairo Airport received the passengers and provided them with all the necessary facilities and support.In this context, Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, stressed that the ministry places at the forefront of its priorities the safety and comfort of Egyptian citizens around the world, especially in light of the emergency conditions witnessed by the region.

The Minister of Civil Aviation also added: “There has been continuous cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our embassy in Beirut to ensure the return of stranded citizens as soon as possible,” extending his thanks and appreciation to all concerned authorities in the country.Upon the plane’s arrival at Cairo International Airport, the returning citizens expressed their happiness with the warm reception, praising the vital role and efforts made by the Egyptian state and all concerned authorities through the speed of making the decision regarding the return of its Egyptian citizens residing abroad; and providing all services and facilities to ensure their return to the homeland.