Repatriation flights underway as up to 500 Australians flee Lebanon from Beirut

Up to 500 Australians stranded in war-torn Lebanon are expected to fly out of Beirut Airport today.

Two Australian Government-supported flights were set to depart Beirut at 6.30am (1.30pm AEST) and 11.30am (6.30pm AEST) and will land in Cyprus in the afternoon.

It’s understood accommodation has been arranged for Australians landing in Cyprus, with planning underway to get them to Australia.

For days now, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong have implored Australian residents in Lebanon to get out, as the war in the Middle East escalates.

“We are worried about the situation escalating,” Senator Wong said.

“If Beirut Airport closes, the options to leave become even less.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis centre and crisis response teams have been working around the clock to get Australians and their families onto flights, with special attention given to the most vulnerable cases and those ready to depart immediately.

Australians in Lebanon who wish to leave should ensure they are registered via DFAT’s crisis portal or by calling the Australian Government‘s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

There are 4901 current registrations in Lebanon, with 3088 registered as wanting to depart, and 1813 registered for information only.

More than 700 have departed or self-closed their registration.