BREAKING: Qantas Sending Boeing 787s For Australians Fleeing Lebanon War

By Michael Doran - Journalist | Simple Flying

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

As the Middle East spirals into war, governments around the world are planning how to repatriate their citizens and residents out of the danger zone before that becomes impossible. On Friday afternoon, the Australian Government announced it was working with airlines, including Qantas , to provide free flights to Australians wanting to leave Beirut.

Free flights from Beirut to Cyrpus and Sydney

The Australian Government is pulling out all the stops to bring Australians who want to escape Lebanon home. The rescue mission is in two parts: an initial flight from Beirut to Larnaca in Cyprus, followed by a Qantas 787-9 Dreamliner ride back to Sydney. These flights will be free of charge for eligible Australians, permanent residents and their immediate family members with a right of entry to Australia, with vulnerable passengers prioritized.

The plan, released by Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, will see two Government-supported charter flights carrying up to 500 passengers departing Beirut for Larnaca, Cyprus. Forty-one Australians flew out of Beirut last night on a Canadian-assisted departure flight after the Australian Government secured seats on the aircraft.

More flights from Beirut are planned in the coming days, depending on demand, but all of these missions are subject to the airport remaining open and other operational constraints. In today's announcement, the Australian Government sent a very direct and urgent message to all Australians in Lebanon:

"Our message to Australians in Lebanon remains - now is the time to leave. Please take the first flight option that is available. There is no guarantee of preferred flights or that these flights will continue."

The Qantas Connection to safety from war

Around 08:00 UTC on Friday, Qantas announced it would operate two nonstop flights between Cyprus and Sydney on behalf of the Australian Government. The flights will be operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to carry up to 440 Australians safely out of danger and home.

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