The Australian Government has advised Australians in Lebanon to “leave immediately” with a fresh warning that Beirut airport could close and leave travellers stranded as the volatile security situation escalates with Israel’s war in Gaza extending to other regions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) has advised “Australians in Lebanon should leave immediately while commercial flights remain available”.
“The security situation could deteriorate rapidly throughout Lebanon with little or no notice,” DFAT posted on the Smartraveller website.
DFAT warns Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) could close, meaning Australian nationals might not be able to leave the country for an extended period and be subject to increased air prices or postponed or cancelled flights for remaining services.
“Some airlines have postponed or cancelled some flights. Further flight cancellations and disruptions could occur with little or no notice,” DFAT said.
Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA) has already cancelled or delayed flights from Beirut airport due to a disrupted schedule.
Other global airlines, such as Qantas, have also adapted routes since the conflict started.
DFAT has had its ‘Do Not Travel’ advice for the whole of Lebanon in place since 19 October 2023 when the Gaza war erupted.
The updated warning comes amid the volatile security situation with daily airstrikes in the country’s south, escalated tensions between Israel and Hezbollah and the risk of further deterioration and terrorist attacks as the Gaza war spills into neighbouring territories.
Australian citizens or permanent residents currently in Lebanon can register with DFAT’s crisis registration portal.
