Qantas Launches Repatriation Flights for Australians Leaving Lebanon Amid Ongoing Crisis

(IN SHORT) Qantas has commenced repatriation flights for Australians returning from Lebanon, operating two non-stop flights in collaboration with the Australian Government. The first flight, a 787 Dreamliner, departed Sydney at 7:03 AM for Larnaca, Cyprus, and is expected to land on Monday afternoon. Onboard are pilots, cabin crew, and a specialized support team, including medical personnel and engineers. The return flight is scheduled for Monday evening, transporting up to 220 passengers back to Sydney, where they will be flown to their nearest domestic airport at no cost. The Australian Red Cross will provide support and Trauma Teddies® to returning travelers. The second flight is set to depart Larnaca on Wednesday evening.

(PRESS RELEASE) Sydney, Australia, 2024-Oct-7 — /Travel PR News/ — A Qantas 787 Dreamliner has successfully departed from Sydney this morning, marking the first of two flights organized by the Australian Government to repatriate citizens returning from Lebanon. The aircraft took off from Sydney Airport at 7:03 AM and is scheduled to land in Larnaca, Cyprus, on Monday afternoon (local time).

Onboard the flight are four pilots and ten cabin crew members, along with a specialized team dedicated to supporting this assisted departure. This team includes ground staff, medical personnel, engineers, and a specialized toolkit, ensuring all necessary support is available for the flight.

The flight, designated ASY1258, is set to depart Larnaca on Monday evening, carrying up to 220 passengers back to Sydney by Tuesday evening. Following their arrival in Sydney, Qantas will transport passengers to their nearest domestic airport at no additional cost.

These flights are being provided free of charge on behalf of the Australian government. In partnership with the Australian Red Cross, Qantas will also deliver comfort to returning travelers by distributing Trauma Teddies® to all passengers on the charter flights. The Australian Red Cross will have representatives at Sydney Airport on Tuesday to offer psychological first aid and support services for those returning home.

Covering a distance of approximately 15,890 kilometers, this flight is slightly longer than Qantas’ Perth-London service, which is the longest route in its network. The expected travel time is 18 hours and 5 minutes from Sydney to Larnaca, with a shorter return flight time of 17 hours and 20 minutes due to favorable winds.

The second repatriation flight, ASY1270, is anticipated to leave Larnaca on Wednesday evening, arriving back in Australia on Thursday evening.

Advice from the Australian Government:
Australians wishing to depart Lebanon via Cyprus should register at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Crisis Portal. If you have previously registered, there is no need to register again.

For urgent consular assistance, Australians can contact the Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre at +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).

Media Contact:

email: qantasmedia@qantas.com.au

Source: Qantas

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