Paphos, Cyprus. Paphos municipal councillor Alexander Jiang on Wednesday offered his services to the government to facilitate the repatriation of nine Cypriot students stranded in Thailand after travel disruptions linked to airspace and airport closures across parts of the Middle East.
Students stranded after disrupted return journey
The students, all aged 23, travelled to Thailand after completing their university examinations but were unable to fly back to Cyprus after aviation routes were affected by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Jiang offers to cover costs and organise alternative route
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Jiang said he had conveyed his proposal to the government and reiterated that he was willing to cover all related expenses. He said he would mediate and fully cover the costs of an alternative route home for the students, should they and their families agree.
“If the boys want, I am ready to take full responsibility for their safe transfer,” Jiang said.
He proposed arranging free air travel for the group from Thailand to Shanghai, along with complimentary hotel accommodation and full board for the duration of their stay in China. From there, he said, onward travel to a European destination could be organised, bypassing routes through the Middle East.
Government review of repatriation options
Authorities said they are assessing possible repatriation options. According to phileleftheros, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that the situation is under review.
Logistics and business ties in China
Jiang said his close business ties in China would allow him to manage all logistical and administrative procedures.
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