Key Takeaways:
– Prime Minister advises Britons in Lebanon to immediately evacuate due to escalating conflict.
– 700 British troops are being deployed to Cyprus, preparing for potential evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon.
– Commercial flight availability is uncertain; travel insurance may become invalid if against Foreign Office advice.
– Land evacuation routes are high-risk; boat chartering is not recommended.
Escalating Tensions in Lebanon Prompt Briton Evacuation
In an urgent directive issued this week, the prime minister implored all UK citizens currently in Lebanon to vacate immediately. The sudden escalation in violence, courtesy of the intensified bombing campaign by Israel against Hezbollah, underpins this call for immediate action.
Deeming the conflict between Israel and Lebanon as teetering on a ‘brink point’, Sir Kier appealed to the Britons to heed this warning seriously. However, executing this evacuation amidst the ongoing crisis can pose some challenges. Here’s some crucial information to navigate the exit paths out of Lebanon.
Flights from Beirut: Availability and Options
Currently, the Rafic Hariri International Airport remains operational, albeit not entirely normal. While Lebanon’s national carrier, MEA, continues its regular flights schedule, including the customary London Heathrow departure every Thursday morning, many other airlines have suspended their services on safety grounds. This list encompasses several major carriers including Air France, Emirates, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines among others.
As a cautionary word, prospective passengers should be aware that flight availability has been significantly reduced from Beirut due to large-scale attempts to evacuate the country. Current checks indicate sell-outs until next week while prospective passengers scramble to secure any available seats. In light of these challenges, the possibility of sending in evacuation aircraft is under consideration.
Land Exit Routes: Safety Risks and Advisories
Land exits aren’t looking much promising either. With the Israel border sealed off and the precarious security situation in Syria making the Syria-route ill-advised, the options for land evacuation are extremely limited. Despite the open border with Syria, experts still warn against traveling in that direction due to the ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions.
While some might risk the journey to the Syrian capital, Damascus, given the operational airport there, others are choosing to head north to the Turkish border via a 100-mile taxi ride through Syria from Lebanon. From Antakya airport in Turkey, multiple flights to the UK via Istanbul can be accessed.
Boat Travel: An Impractical Solution
With no commercial boat services available from Lebanon to Cyprus, chartering a boat could be another route. However, given the current security scenario, this option is unadvised.
Contacting the British Embassy
For those in need of immediate help from the UK government, the British Embassy in Beirut is the go-to point. However, it’s important to remember that entry into the British Embassy is strictly via appointment, and for emergencies or queries, the preferred way to reach them is their online contact form.
Though the challenges are daunting, it’s essential for British-identified individuals in Lebanon to stay alert and poised for fast action as recommended by the Foreign Office. With potential disruptions to regular transport routes, Britons are urged to utilize any practical means, ensuring their safety as priority.
While the call for immediate evacuation might incite fear, it also amplifies the importance of swift action in ensuring the safety of citizens in volatile regions. By heeding to these advisories, British citizens can minimize the risks while also ensuring that they are not inadvertently adding to the instability in the region. So, the message seems clear, if you are a Briton in Lebanon, make your move now.