Paphos, Cyprus. Nine 23-year-old students from Paphos remain stranded in Thailand after airspace closures across parts of the Middle East disrupted their return to Cyprus following the end of their university exams.
Travel disruption after airspace and airport closures
The group travelled to Thailand for holidays but were unable to return home after several countries in the region closed their airspace and airports following the war in Iran.
Government examining options
The Government of Cyprus is examining the situation and considering possible solutions to facilitate their return.
Offer of assistance via alternative route
Alexandros Jiang, a Chinese-born municipal councillor in Paphos, has offered assistance to help the students leave Thailand and travel back to Cyprus through alternative routes. Jiang said he was prepared to arrange free flights for the nine students from Thailand to Shanghai and provide accommodation in a hotel with full board during their stay there until onward travel to Europe can be arranged.
From there, the students could return to Cyprus via a European destination rather than through Middle Eastern routes, which were part of their original travel plans. Jiang, who resides permanently in Paphos but maintains close business ties with China, said he was willing to handle both the travel expenses and the necessary arrangements for their safe transfer to China.
Contact with government spokesman
Jiang said he had spoken earlier on Wednesday with government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis, who told him the government is examining the issue and possible solutions.
Students still awaiting developments
For now, the nine students remain in Thailand awaiting developments, while attempts by their families in recent days to arrange their repatriation have so far been unsuccessful.
What steps would you take to confirm alternative travel arrangements if you were one of the stranded students?
