The top athlete Kristina Timanowskaja, who was under massive pressure from the Lukashenko regime, was flown to Austria on Austrian Airlines flight OS52. The Japanese and Polish authorities rebooked them from the LO50 flight connection at short notice. With the short-term airline change you want to increase security and make life difficult for any agents.

Reuters reports, citing confidants of the athlete, that the Polish consulate is said to have raised concerns. After consultation with Japan and Austria, it was decided at short notice that Timanowskaja would fly with Austrian Airlines via Vienna to Warsaw. The athlete was granted asylum there due to political persecution.

The sportswoman received a corresponding visa from the Polish embassy to enter the Schengen area. The security requirements are very high, but the choice may have been made on Austrian Airlines because this carrier has a lot of experience in the transportation of people who are under high protection. During her journey from Tokyo-Narita via Vienna to Warsaw, she is accompanied by specially trained security forces.