The federal government will end its repatriation flights for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families out of Lebanon at the end of the week.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said this was a result of declining demand.
“There are seats available on flights leaving between now and Sunday. Due to declining demand, nothing further is scheduled beyond Sunday,” she wrote on social media.
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Two government-assisted flights are scheduled out of Beirut each day to Sunday, with seats still available on all six flights.
There are 3018 Australians and their immediate family members registered to board the remaining flights this week.
Wong strongly urged Australians currently in Lebanon to take the first available flight.
“These flights remain subject to security conditions on the ground,” she added.
https://twitter.com/SenatorWong/status/1844538534830674005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
She had previously warned Australians that flights would not continue indefinitely.
“My message to Australians in Lebanon is do not wait, these flights are subject to demand and security conditions on the ground,” she said earlier this week.
“Please take the seats offered to you. We will not be able to continue these flights indefinitely.”
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Repatriation flights have so far flown about 2280 Australians back home.
From next week, anyone wishing to leave will have to opt for commercial flights, which range from $1200 to $3300 each next week, according to Skyscanner.
The Australian government is also urging people not to travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation as conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates.
It has advised that Israeli military strikes in southern Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, as well as the ground invasion in southern Lebanon, is likely to continue.
Australians wanting to depart should register via DFAT’s Crisis Portal or by calling the Australian Government’s 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
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