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Emotional Reunions: 45 Pets Evacuated to Athens

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 18, a special evacuation flight from Abu Dhabi returned 45 pets and 101 people to Athens due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Emotional reunions occurred at the airport, highlighting the significance of pets as family members, according to Greek officials.
Passengers Danai Koukoulomati and Alexandra Papayanis encountered difficulties finding flights that accepted animals.
Koukoulomati was determined to bring her cat, Muay Thai, while Maria Theochari emphasized her dog Matisse's importance, comparing it to her children.

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Story summary

On March 18, a special evacuation flight from Abu Dhabi returned 45 pets and 101 people to Athens due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Emotional reunions occurred at the airport, highlighting the significance of pets as family members, according to Greek officials.
Passengers Danai Koukoulomati and Alexandra Papayanis encountered difficulties finding flights that accepted animals.
Koukoulomati was determined to bring her cat, Muay Thai, while Maria Theochari emphasized her dog Matisse's importance, comparing it to her children.