Key Takeaways
- The Australian government is funding free repatriation flights for citizens stranded in Israel.
- Qantas will operate two flights from Ben Gurion airport to London at no cost to passengers.
- Over 10,000 Australian citizens reside in Israel, prompting the evacuation effort.
Canberra: The Australian government has announced it will run repatriation flights for citizens stranded in Israel.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong confirmed on Wednesday evening that flag carrier Qantas will operate two flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport to London. These flights are for Australians who do not already have plans to leave the area.
The flights will be operated free of charge for passengers, with Qantas to absorb the costs.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, between 10,000 and 12,000 Australian citizens live in Israel.
