Second flight of Australians from Lebanon lands in Cyprus
A second charter flight carrying Australians out of Lebanon has landed in Cyprus this morning with hundreds now awaiting to travel onwards to Sydney.
About 229 Australian nationals were on board the first mercy flight from war-torn Beirut, which touched down on the Mediterranean island yesterday.
The second charter carrying another 200 people arrived safely early this morning.
READ MORE: Federal Police seek seven men for display of Hezbollah flags
Australian nationals evacuated from Lebanon arrive at Larnaca International Airport on October 5, 2024 in Larnaca, Cyprus. Alexis Mitas/Getty Images
They will be processed at Larnaca Airport and from there two Qantas flights will take them to Sydney tomorrow and Tuesday.
There were a mix of ages on board from the elderly to babies in arms amid a mixture of emotions as they escaped the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Those coming off the flight said they were relieved to be safe and on their way back to Australia.
But, many are also feeling guilt, having left family and friends behind in a place that is now so very dangerous.
A tearful Karla told 9News that she was forced to leave her grandparents, aunties and uncles behind. Nine
When asked what it's like in Lebanon currently, Khalan said: "Terrible, there is nothing to say in a good way". 9News
A tearful Karla told 9News that she was forced to leave her grandparents, aunties and uncles behind.
"People think it's the right thing to do and people are happy to leave but I don't know if we're happy or not because you're leaving your family behind, you're leaving your country," she said.
"You're going to a safer place but you're leaving everybody else behind in danger."
An Australian national hugs 9News reporter Jess Millward upon her arrival at Larnaca International Airport after being evacuated from Beirut. Alexis Mitas/Getty Images
A woman with her child, two of the 229 Australian nationals, arrives at Cyprus' main airport of Larnaca after a chartered flight evacuated them from Lebanon. AP Photo/Petros Karadjias
"It's good that we get out," Lodi Khalan told 9News.
"It's better for the kids as well."
When asked what it's like in Lebanon currently, Khalan said: "Terrible, there is nothing to say in a good way".
The passengers will spend the next few nights in Cyprus and then, once again, government organised Qantas planes will fly them back to Australia. AP Photo/Petros Karadjias
Australian nationals evacuated from Lebanon arrive at Larnaca International Airport on October 5, 2024 in Larnaca, Cyprus Alexis Mitas/Getty Images
A child looks on aboard a bus as Australian nationals evacuated from Lebanon arrive at Larnaca International Airport on October 5, 2024 in Larnaca, Cyprus. Alexis Mitas/Getty Images
Over 3000 Australians in Lebanon are registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as wanting to depart.
About 41 Australians were evacuated from Lebanon earlier in the week on Canadian-assisted flights.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
