The UK government has arranged additional charter flights to assist British nationals in leaving Lebanon due to the worsening security situation in the region.

Following the departure of over 150 British nationals and their families on a government-chartered flight from Beirut, more flights will depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport starting Thursday. These flights will continue as long as the security situation permits.

The UK is also working with international partners to increase the availability of commercial flights. Around 700 military personnel and staff from the Foreign Office, Home Office, and Border Force have been stationed in Cyprus to aid in contingency planning for this evacuation effort.

British nationals who have registered their presence with the UK government will receive instructions on how to secure a seat on one of these flights. Those who have not yet registered are strongly advised to do so immediately. Eligible passengers include British nationals, their spouses or partners, and children under 18. Dependants who are not British nationals will need a valid visa allowing them to stay in the UK for more than six months.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the importance of British nationals registering with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and leaving Lebanon without delay. He stated,  “Recent events have demonstrated the volatility of the situation in Lebanon. The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our number one priority. That’s why we are announcing additional chartered flights to help those who want to leave. I urge all British nationals still in Lebanon to register with the FCDO and leave the country immediately”.

Defence Secretary John Healey visited Cyprus recently to meet with military personnel engaged in contingency planning for Lebanon. During his visit, he also discussed regional security issues with his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas, and called for de-escalation in a conversation with Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

The FCDO continues to urge British nationals to follow travel advice, remain cautious, and monitor local media for updates on the situation. The UK government is also advocating for a ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel to create a political pathway forward in accordance with UN Resolution 1701. Photo by Ian Lim, Wikimedia commons.