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Lancashire Times
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9:57 PM 30th September 2024
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UK Charters Flight To Help British Nationals Leave Lebanon

 

The UK government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon to help British nationals wanting to leave following escalating violence in the region, the Foreign Secretary announced on [Monday] (30 September).

British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible.
The government has worked with partners in recent weeks to increase capacity on commercial flights to enable British nationals to leave, and has now chartered a flight to provide additional capacity.

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday.

Those who have registered their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will be sent details on how to request a seat. If you are a British national in Lebanon who has not already registered your presence, please do so immediately.

Vulnerable British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18, will be prioritised for this flight.

British nationals should not make their way to the airport unless they have a confirmed seat on the plane.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:
"The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly.

"The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.

"That’s why the UK government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed”


UK government officials have been working non-stop in London, Beirut and the wider region to provide support to British nationals. Last week, 700 troops, alongside Border Force and Foreign Office officials deployed to Cyprus to continue contingency planning for a range of scenarios in the region. An FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also arrived in Lebanon to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

The safety of British nationals in Lebanon, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be the UK government’s utmost priority and the FCDO urges everyone to continue to follow the relevant travel advice, exercise caution, and monitor media in Lebanon for developments.

The UK has been calling for a ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel for over a week and that further escalation must be avoided. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution in line with Resolution 1701.