Qantas will help fly hundreds of Australians home from Lebanon as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, has confirmed.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced two government-supported charter flights carrying up to 500 Australians will depart from Beirut Airport and fly to Larnaca, Cyprus tomorrow.
Passengers will then be able to travel to Australia on board a non-stop Qantas flight from Cyprus to Sydney on Monday night, with two services already confirmed by the carrier.
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The first plane of passengers is expected to depart Cyprus on Monday (local time) and arrive on Tuesday, Qantas said.
The second plane is expected to depart from Larnaca on Wednesday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it is working with other airlines to confirm additional flights.
“Further flights are planned for subsequent days and will be subject to demand,” Wong said in a statement.
“Operation of the Australian government-supported charter flights is subject to the airport in Beirut remaining open and other operational constraints.
“These flights will be free of charge for those eligible Australians, permanent residents and their immediate family members with a right of entry to Australia.
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“Our message to Australians in Lebanon remains – now is the time to leave. Please take the first flight option that is available.
“There is no guarantee of preferred flights or that these flights will continue.”
It comes after the Government helped 4 1Australians to leave Lebanon earlier this week.
Australians stuck in Lebanon looking to return home need to be registered with DFAT’s Crisis Portal.
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