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 today.
The government has been working 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. This 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, the office confirmed today. It advises that "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 only make their way to the airport if 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"
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. '