CANBERRA, OCT 3 – The Australian government has provided more than 500 flight seats to help its citizens leave Lebanon, amid the worsening security situation in the region.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Thursday that two commercial flights from Beirut to Cyprus would be offered this Saturday, involving 500 seats for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members. This is in addition to the 80 seats available on Thursday’s flight.
According to him, a total of 1,700 Australians in Lebanon have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to leave the country. However, only 35 of the 80 seats offered on Thursday were used.
“This flight operation will be subject to the current security situation and whether the airport in Beirut continues to operate,” said Wong in a press conference.
He also called on Australian citizens not to delay their decision to leave Lebanon.
“To Australians who want to leave the country, take any opportunity available. Don’t wait for the route you prefer,” he said.
“This is not the time to wait. Now is the time to act to leave the country,” he stressed.
Australia’s federal government has repeatedly advised its citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately, warning that Beirut’s airport is likely to be closed due to the escalating conflict in the region. – Xinhua
