Limassol, Cyprus — In a coordinated evacuation effort, about 80 Chinese citizens along with their foreign family members were safely transported from Lebanon to the Port of Limassol in Cyprus on Tuesday. The group's departure from a Lebanese port at midnight was facilitated amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the evacuation vessel embarked on a 13-hour journey, arriving in Cyprus early Tuesday. The Chinese Embassy in Cyprus had prepared a service desk at Limassol Port to assist the evacuees with emergency services and document processing. Ambassador Liu Yantao emphasized the Chinese government's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens, stating that significant efforts were made to navigate various challenges and guarantee the evacuation.

The arrival of the evacuees in Cyprus comes at a time when the Middle East faces increased instability. Cypriot authorities indicated on Wednesday that their systems to receive additional evacuees are now "fully operational." This move follows a series of international flight suspensions to the region, with nearly 80 flights rerouted as airspace over several neighboring countries was closed in the aftermath of an Iranian missile attack against Israel.

Moreover, regional air traffic disruptions extended to the airspace controlled by Cyprus over the eastern Mediterranean. Overnight, at least 11 aircraft destined for Beirut or Tel Aviv were diverted to Larnaca Airport due to the closures, highlighting the broader impact of the conflict on international travel and safety measures in adjacent areas.