Australia secures flights for citizens to exit Lebanon swiftly
Australia urges citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately
Australia has arranged several hundred airline seats for its citizens to exit Lebanon, Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Thursday. She urged the remaining thousands of Australians in Lebanon to leave while they still have the chance. The government has secured 580 seats on flights leaving on Thursday and Saturday for citizens, permanent residents, and their families, Wong revealed at a press conference.
Earlier in the week, other flights were also organised. Approximately 1,700 Australians and their families have registered their intention to leave Lebanon with the government. According to the foreign ministry, around 15,000 Australians typically reside in Lebanon due to a substantial Lebanese diaspora.
Wong emphasised the urgency, saying, “Please take whatever option is available to you. Now is not the time for you to wait and see, now is the time to leave.” The government has been urging its citizens and permanent residents to depart for weeks, partly because the large number of Australians in Lebanon would complicate a government-led evacuation.
The Australian government has secured 500 commercial airline tickets for Australians wanting to escape the conflict in Lebanon. #lebanon #middleeast #israel #auspol #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/wBC9WIvpYw
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) October 3, 2024
Two flights are scheduled to depart for Cyprus on Saturday, contingent on Beirut airport remaining open. Wong expressed concern about the situation’s potential escalation, stating, “If Beirut airport closes, the options for departing become even less.” As part of a contingency plan, Australia has flown military aircraft to Cyprus, though commercial flights are prioritised as long as Beirut airport stays operational.
Wong also reaffirmed her support for the US-backed ceasefire plan in Lebanon aimed at ending the “cycle of violence,” which Israel has rejected.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports Australia financially assists some citizens to leave Lebanon as Israel launches ground incursion, emphasizing immediate departures and operational complexities.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How many airline seats has Australia secured for citizens leaving Lebanon?
Australia secured 580 seats on flights departing Thursday and Saturday.
Who can use the flights organized by Australia to leave Lebanon?
Citizens, permanent residents, and their families.
Why is Australia urging its citizens to leave Lebanon now?
Australia is concerned about the situation escalating and potential closure of Beirut airport.
How many Australians have registered their desire to leave Lebanon?
Approximately 1,700 Australians and their families.
What has Australia done to prepare for an emergency evacuation?
Australia has flown military aircraft to Cyprus as part of a contingency plan.
