Which countries are planning evacuation flights from Lebanon?
Passengers queue at the check-in counters at Beirut-Rafic Al Hariri International Airport, in Beirut, Lebanon October 2, 2024. (Reuters/Yara Abi Nader)
Several countries have started evacuating their citizens from Lebanon while others are preparing contingency plans in response to a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Japan has dispatched two Self-Defense Force (SDF) planes to prepare for a possible evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon, following heightened regional tensions. The two C-2 transport aircraft are expected to arrive in Jordan and Greece by Friday, Japan’s national television NHK reported.
Japan readies for potential evacuation
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that no injuries have been reported among the approximately 50 Japanese nationals in Lebanon. The deployment is part of a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens should the situation escalate.
Japan’s SDF previously evacuated more than 100 Japanese and South Korean citizens from Israel during operations in October and November 2023.
Australia also preparing evacuation plans
Meanwhile, Australia is arranging commercial flights for its citizens. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that 500 seats have been secured on commercial aircraft to evacuate Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their families from Lebanon on Saturday.
According to Wong, these seats are available for 1,700 Australians and their families on two flights departing from Beirut to Greek Cyprus.
“What I would say to Australians who wish to leave, please take whatever option is available to you. Please do not wait for your preferred route,” Wong said during a press conference in Geelong, Australia.
Several countries have initiated contingency plans to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon, urging them to leave immediately as tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah.
Escalation prompts evacuation plans
Germany, China, the United Kingdom and other countries are actively preparing for potential evacuations, though no large-scale military evacuations have occurred yet. While Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport remains operational, some countries have started securing alternative transportation for their nationals.
Germany has already evacuated nonessential embassy staff from Beirut, and several other nations are positioning aircraft and vessels to assist with any necessary evacuations.
China, UK and other countries evacuate citizens
China evacuated more than 200 of its nationals this week, with two separate groups arriving in Greek Cyprus and Beijing aboard a Chinese vessel and a chartered flight, respectively. The U.K. also scheduled a charter flight to evacuate around 200 British nationals, prioritizing families and vulnerable individuals.
“The situation could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region,” the British government warned, advising its citizens to leave now.
Germany evacuated 110 individuals from Beirut on Monday, including embassy staff, family members, and those with medical conditions. The German Foreign Ministry stated that remaining citizens are being supported in their efforts to leave the country via commercial flights.
Bulgaria, Portugal and Spain are also actively working on evacuation plans. Spain has sent two planes to Beirut to assist its nationals, while Portugal secured the return of 44 citizens on a military flight.
US, Canada urge citizens to leave
The U.S. has advised its citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately, working with airlines to provide additional flights. Approximately 6,000 U.S. citizens have registered for departure information, though no formal evacuation plan has been announced.
Canada’s government secured 800 seats on commercial flights for its citizens, while Australia urged its nationals to leave Lebanon, warning of the “volatile circumstances” in the region.
Indonesia and Türkiye have also prepared plans for evacuations, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo calling on citizens to leave Lebanon immediately.
Türkiye announced preparations for evacuations by air and sea, working in cooperation with nearly 20 other countries.
