The UK government has chartered an additional flight to evacuate British nationals from Lebanon as the conflict in the region intensifies.
Set to depart on Sunday, 6th October, from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, this will be the fourth such flight arranged by the government, following high demand for evacuations due to the deteriorating security situation.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised that this will likely be the last chartered flight unless demand increases, as numbers have significantly dropped. More than 250 people have been evacuated in the past week. British nationals still wishing to leave are urged to register immediately with the government.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised the urgency, saying, “The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, so I am glad that we have helped the many people who have heeded our advice to leave the country immediately. I urge anyone who wants to leave to register now.”
UK government officials have been working around the clock, with support from the FCDO Rapid Deployment Team, which has arrived in Lebanon to assist British Embassy officials. British nationals and their immediate family members, including non-British dependants with valid visas, are eligible for the flight.
The FCDO reiterated that British nationals should not travel to the airport unless they have confirmed a seat. The government continues to monitor the situation closely but warned that with worsening conditions, there is no guarantee other quick evacuation options will be available.
Image Ian Lim (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>), via Wikimedia Commons.
If they can’t fill a plane, do we need Mount’s Bay standing by?
Mounts Bay crew are within their rights to go on strike if they end up alongside in Lebanon, which is probably why it might not be an option currently being considered.
Foreign Office hopefully has planned this evacuation unlike Kabul.
Cant speak for the wonks in the Foreign Office but this will be the third evacuation in recent years for British Forces in Cyprus. They’re prepared and pretty slick at it now.