Government-chartered evacuation flights out of Lebanon will be stopped from Sunday, with the thousands of Australians still in the conflict zone urged to leave as soon as possible.
Earlier on Thursday, the Australian government flagged declining passenger figures on the free-of-charge flights was forcing the government to reassess the viability of future trips.
Australians registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading to leave Lebanon were alerted of the deadline on Thursday 1pm Beirut time, or 9pm AEDT.
“There are still seats available for you to depart Lebanon. These seats will be provided without charge,” the text read.
“There are no further flights scheduled beyond Sunday October 13.
“These flights remain subject to demand and security conditions on the ground. Do not wait. We may not be able to provide further flights to depart Lebanon.”
Two government-chartered flights leaving Cyprus on Wednesday were just over half-occupied, with 364 of the 660 available seats taken up. This is despite 3350 Australians and their immediate family members registering their desire to leave Lebanon, and saying they were available to leave the city.
The figures were down from the day before when 409 of the available 660 seats were filled.
For days the government has urged Australians remaining in Lebanon to board the soonest flight leaving the conflict zone, with Israel continuing attacks near the capital city.
While Israel has been warned to avoid targeting the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, there are fears this could change, with the Israeli air force carrying out strikes on the city’s southern suburbs earlier this week.
Earlier this week, Anthony Albanese pleaded with the thousands of remaining Australians to heed the warnings.
“Our message to Australians in Lebanon remains to please take the first flight option that is available to you,” the Prime Minister told parliament during question time on Tuesday.
“There should not be an empty seat on any of these flights. We will not be able to continue these flights indefinitely.
“Please come home when you have the opportunity. Do not wait. Do not think things might get better. Please come home and be safe.”
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