Governments warning as hundreds of Aussies flee Lebanon

The first of two flights carrying hundreds of Australians fleeing Lebanon has touched down in Cyprus as Israel’s attack on the Meddetarian country intensifies.

The charter flight from the Lebanese capital of Beirut left on Saturday morning with 229 passengers on-board, according to Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

“Another flight is due to depart later today, and there are a further two flights planned for tomorrow,” Ms Wong posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ms Wong urged Australians still in Lebanon that “now is the time to leave” and to be prepared to leave at short notice, as officials ramped up warnings.

The federal government announced it had secured seats for Australians, permanent residents, and their immediate family on flights out of Lebanon.

“There are still seats available on flights on Saturday for those registered on the DFAT Crisis Portal,” according to an alert posted by Smartraveller.

Qantas will operate two free non-stop flights from Cyprus back to Sydney, the first of which is due to depart on Monday, according to the airline.

“The flights will be operated using a Qantas Boeing 787 and will be able to carry up to 440 Australians back home,” Qantas said in a statement.

“The first service is expected to depart Larnaca in Cyprus on Monday evening (local time), arriving in Sydney on Tuesday.

“The second direct Dreamliner service is expected to depart on Wednesday.”

Transport Minister Catherine King on Saturday said the government had secured about 500 seats on the two flights out of Lebanon.

“Obviously, we will advise people if there are further flights available, but that is going to be very dependent on conditions on the ground,” she said.

“Our message very clearly to people in Lebanon at the moment is, do not wait. Do not wait to get the perfect flight home that connects you everywhere. ‘

“If you are offered a flight, then you need to go. You need to leave now and take that first available opportunity.

“The situation on the ground is very serious, and we cannot guarantee that we can get everybody out.”

Ms King said the government had “contingency plans” in place for the thousands of Australians who are believed to still be in Lebanon.

“Obviously, we are dealing with the circumstances as they arise,” she said.

“At the moment, the airport is still open. There’s no guarantee that that will continue to be the case.”

Israel ramped it its attacks on Lebanon on Saturday, with air strikes reported in the northern city of Tripoli as well as in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The escalation of hostilities marks the deadliest period for Lebanon since the 2006 war with Israel and comes after the assassination of Hezbollah leader, Hasan Nasrallah.

Israel has exchanged near daily fire with the Lebanese militant group since the outbreak of war in Gaza following the October 7 attacks by Palestinian group Hamas.