Albanian Tourist Operators Blocked in Israel, Flight Canceled

Photo illustration

Several tourism ministry operators and employees from Albania have remained stranded in Israel.

In addition to Albanian residents living in Israel, the risk is being felt by some Albanian entrepreneurs who have gone on temporary visits. A day before Iran's surprise attack, they took part in a tourist event -- Albania all sensors” at the invitation of Albanian Ambassador Mary Kube in collaboration with Israeli authorities, where Israeli tour operators were also present. A trip which was scheduled to last about five days but that the missile attack destroyed their plan.

On April 11th, they flew from Tirana to Tel Aviv to return to Albania this Sunday. But the departure schedule at 5am from the airport was canceled, and now 8 Albanians are obliged to wait for the opening of flights. Sources near Top Channel suggest that airlines do not take over flights in this situation, and their hopes are on April 19th, where a charter is supposed to be organised for them towards Cyprus.

This information is confirmed for Top Channel by the Albanian Tourist Union. Immediately, Albanian guests from Israel have been taken to the security of local authorities and are taking refuge in the Israeli capital at a safe accommodation facility located in an area close to the American Embassy at the Kempinski Hotel in Tel Aviv.

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs reports it is in constant communication with all Albanian citizens in Israel, with temporary or permanent standing. As Minister Igli Hasani has reacted through a post on the “X” platform for Iran's attack on Israel, condemning the act and expressing conviction that it will bring instability and great destruction to the Middle East.

“Albania strongly condemns Iran's attack on Israel. This escalation is a serious threat to the security of Israel and the entire region. It risks bringing more instability and destruction throughout the Middle East. Albanians in the region are advised to follow local authorities' guidelines for public safety updates and contact our embassies for assistance”, writes Minister Hasani.