Qantas 787 Dreamliners Arrive In Sydney, Reuniting Australians Returning From The Middle East

Six Australian government-operated flights have successfully transported evacuees out of the conflict zone, prioritizing vulnerable and displaced passengers. With 3,892 Australians and their families still registered to leave, efforts continue to ensure their safe departure. Among the upcoming flights, a Qantas flight scheduled to depart from Cyprus on Tuesday is expected to bring up to 220 people back to Australia.

On Monday, 349 evacuees arrived in Sydney for emotional reunions with family and loved ones following a tense journey home. Another Qantas flight is scheduled to land on Thursday, reinforcing the airline’s vital role in the Australian government’s evacuation mission.

The government continues urging Australians in Lebanon to leave as soon as possible.

Earlier, a Qantas 787 Dreamliner took off from Sydney at 7:03 am for Cyprus to operate the first of two flights repatriating Australians on behalf of the government. The aircraft will arrive in Larnaca, Cyprus, on Monday afternoon (local time).

The particular assistance flight includes a dedicated support team, including four pilots, ten cabin crew, ground personnel, medical staff, engineers, and a specialized toolkit with parts to ensure smooth dispatch in Larnaca.

Flight ASY1258 is scheduled to depart Larnaca on Monday evening with up to 220 passengers and arrive in Sydney on Tuesday evening. Qantas will then provide passengers complimentary onward flights to their nearest domestic airport.

The Qantas-operated evacuation flights, funded by the Australian government, are being provided at no cost to passengers. In collaboration with the Australian Red Cross, Qantas is enhancing support for returning evacuees, with Red Cross teams offering comfort and psychological first aid on arrival at Sydney Airport. Each passenger on the two charter flights will also receive an Australian Red Cross Trauma Teddy® as a gesture of comfort.

For those needing accommodations upon arrival, Sydney offers a range of hotel options that provide convenient access to the airport and city amenities. Many hotels, including Corporate Keys and others near the airport, offer short- and long-term stays, which may be ideal for evacuees seeking flexibility as they transition. Sydney hotels provide a wide variety of options, from budget-friendly to luxury, catering to different needs and preferences.

The first leg of the journey from Sydney to Larnaca covers a remarkable 15,890 km, slightly longer than the airline's longest route, Perth to London. The flight from Sydney to Larnaca is expected to take 18 and 5 minutes, while the return journey is forecasted at 17 hours and 20 minutes, aided by favourable tailwinds.

The first Qantas flight, ASY1258, is scheduled to bring passengers back to Australia on Tuesday evening. A second flight, ASY1270, departs Larnaca on Wednesday evening and arrives in Australia on Thursday evening.

Australians seeking evacuation from Lebanon via Cyprus must register through DFAT’s Crisis Portal. Those who have previously registered with DFAT do not need to register again.