The Australian government has announced at least tw Qantas flights will help citizens leave Israel as the death toll in the region mounts.
Repatriation flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport to London will operate free of charge for Australians, who do not already have plans to leave through commercial options, with Qantas to absorb the operational costs.
The two flights will depart “starting Friday”, according to the government, but details of the flights are still being finalised between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) and Qantas.
PM Anthony Albanese said government-backed flights were needed because “many Australians are experiencing difficulties with delays and cancellations with commercial flights”.
“For Australians who do not already have plans to leave through commercial options, Australian government-assisted departure flights will depart from Friday,” Albanese told reporters in Melbourne on Wednesday.
Qantas expects to operate Boeing 787 Dreamliners – which can seat 236 passengers – on the route, subject to ongoing safety and security assessments, and regulatory approvals in several countries. “Arrangements for onward flights for those wanting to travel back to Australia are still being worked through,” the airline said.
Australians who want to leave Israel via Australia’s assisted-departure flights should register by calling the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).