Qantas steps in to assist in flying hundreds of Australians back home from Lebanon amidst escalating conflict in the Middle East, confirmed by Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Two government-supported charter flights will transport up to 500 Australians from Beirut Airport to Larnaca, Cyprus, with onward travel to Sydney on Qantas flights. The operation aims to aid Australians in leaving Lebanon, stressing the importance of immediate departure.
Additional government-supported charter flights are being arranged by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, contingent upon airport operations in Beirut. Eligible passengers will have the cost of flights covered as they reunite with loved ones in Australia.
Previous efforts helped move 41 Australians out of Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of registration on DFAT’s Crisis Portal for those seeking to return home.