More than 500 Australians are expected to be evacuated from Lebanon today as the situation in the country deteriorates, the Australian government has announced.
According to a report by Australian broadcaster ABC, two charter flights will depart from Beirut to Cyprus today, with Qantas transporting passengers onward to Sydney next week. The operation is open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate families.
Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, stated that the situation is “very fluid” and contingency plans are in place should Beirut’s airport close. “Our message very clearly to people in Lebanon at the moment is do not wait to get the perfect flight home. If you are offered a flight, then you need to go. You need to leave now and take that first available opportunity,” King urged.
The report states that Cyprus “has been preparing to potentially scale up its operations to assist evacuations, with the island acting as a tr
ansit point for many people fleeing.”
The Australian government estimates that at least 15,000 Australians remain in Lebanon, with the actual figure potentially as high as 30,000. According to the report, 3,088 Australians have registered their desire to depart Lebanon, while another 1,813 have registered for information from the Australian government.
Australians wishing to leave the country are urged to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal.
Source: Cyprus News Agency