The Cyprus Green Party and the Animal Party Cyprus have criticised airlines for allegedly refusing to allow passengers to travel with their pets, leaving dozens of Greek and Cypriot citizens stranded abroad. The parties described the situation as unacceptable and called for immediate intervention by authorities.
The statement comes amid ongoing efforts to repatriate Cypriot nationals from the region during the current security crisis, while concerns have also emerged over the treatment of pets in emergency procedures.
Allegations of stranded travellers in the UAE
In a joint announcement, the Cyprus Green Party and the Animal Party Cyprus said at least 50 Greek and Cypriot citizens remain stranded in the United Arab Emirates because airlines are refusing to transport them together with their pets.
According to the parties, some companies are insisting that passengers travel without their animals, effectively forcing them to abandon them if they wish to return home.
“Animals are not luggage, they are not objects or cargo that someone can simply leave behind,” the statement said. “They are members of the families of the people who care for them.”
The parties described the practice as “moral blackmail” and called on airlines involved to immediately provide solutions that would allow the safe transport of both passengers and their animals.
They also urged governments and relevant authorities to intervene to end what they described as an unacceptable situation.
Repatriation of Cypriots during regional tensions
The issue arises as Cyprus continues to assist citizens seeking to return to the island following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
According to reports in Politis and Phileleftheros, Cypriot authorities have been coordinating with foreign ministries and airlines to facilitate the return of nationals who were in countries across the region when flights were disrupted due to security concerns.
Several evacuation and repatriation flights have been organised in recent days, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised citizens abroad to remain in contact with diplomatic missions and follow official instructions.
The process has involved complex logistics due to flight cancellations, security restrictions and the need to coordinate with multiple governments and airlines.
Pets excluded from civil defence shelters
The controversy has also drawn attention to another issue concerning emergency preparedness.
Civil Defence authorities in Cyprus have clarified that pets are not allowed inside civil defence shelters in the event that citizens are required to take refuge during a crisis.
Officials say the restriction is linked to safety and hygiene considerations in enclosed spaces designed to accommodate large numbers of people during emergencies.
Animal welfare advocates, however, argue that emergency planning should also take into account the needs of pets, noting that many households consider animals to be members of the family.
The Cyprus Green Party and the Animal Party Cyprus said the current situation highlights the need for broader policies that recognise the role of animals in people’s lives, particularly during emergencies and evacuation situations.
They warned that if airlines do not resolve the situation, they may proceed with publicly identifying the companies involved at both national and international level.
“The stance taken by these companies will not pass silently,” the statement said. “Animals are family, and family is not abandoned.”