Emirates is operating a special repatriation flight to help more than 200 Australians and their family members impacted by the events in Lebanon return to Australia.
Repatriated Australians boarded Emirates’ flight EK2536 which departed Larnaca, Cyprus, yesterday (Monday 14 October), at 4pm and landed in Dubai at 9pm. Passengers then boarded Emirates’ flight EK2616 which departed Dubai at 11pm and is expected to arrive in Sydney today (Tuesday 15 October) at 7.40pm (AEST).
“Emirates stands ready to help impacted Australians return home, through our regularly scheduled services between Dubai and Australia, as well as the deployment of additional repatriation flights as needed,” a spokesperson said.
Emirates has been in detailed discussions with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), other Australian government contacts, and Qantas, to co-ordinate logistics and ground operations, including supporting connecting flights from Sydney to other Australian cities.
“Emirates remains committed to supporting Australia, a community that we have been proud to serve and be a part of for close to three decades,” the spokesperson added.
Smartravelker continues to advise Australians not to travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further.
“Australians in Lebanon should leave immediately while commercial flights remain available. You should take the first available flight and not wait for a preferred route. Beirut airport could close, and you may be unable to leave for an extended period. The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave in such circumstances.
“Israeli military airstrikes in southern Beirut and other locations and Israeli military ground operations in southern Lebanon are likely to continue. Avoid known or suspected areas of military activity. The conflict could spread to other areas in Lebanon. Be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period. Make sure you have enough supplies, including food, water, medicine, radio, torches and batteries. Know where your identity documents are, including your passport. See our advice on ‘Armed conflict’ in ‘Safety’.”
It offered a similar warning about the security situation in Israel, warning it could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice.
“This situation has and may continue to result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, diversions, and other travel disruptions. Some airlines have reduced and suspended flights to and from Ben Gurion International Airport.
“If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you should register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal. See the ‘Safety’ section for details on how to register.”
