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The first French returnees from Israel arrived late in the evening of Thursday October 12. The 13 Heures followed them to Paris and Nice airports.
A long embrace after days of anguish. It’s the end of a long wait for the 391 repatriates on the first special flight to Paris. They are happy to have returned but sad to leave their loved ones behind. Priority is given to women with children, the elderly and disabled, but also tourists caught in the chaos.
Other special chartered flights
At Nice airport (Alpes-Maritimes), other families were able to return to France aboard a regular flight from the Israeli company El Al. A relief, there too. Just before returning to France, some again experienced the stress of rocket alerts and had to lie down on the ground before boarding. Others were unable to obtain a return ticket.
The French government chartered other special flights on Friday October 13, Saturday 14 and Sunday October 15 to repatriate French people who wish to do so. Air France will only resume flights if the security situation allows it.