Australians in Lebanon advised to leave as airport may shut down.

The Australian government has recently released a new travel advisory for Lebanon, urging its citizens currently in the country to leave as soon as possible. This comes amidst a tense situation between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel launching a fresh round of missile strikes in southern Beirut overnight.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the security situation in Lebanon is extremely volatile and there is a high risk of it deteriorating even further. In their statement, they highlighted the increased military activity in southern Lebanon, including airstrikes and missile attacks. The conflict has the potential to escalate quickly and may spread to other parts of the country without much warning, making it difficult for individuals to find a safe haven.

While commercial flights are still operating, there have been some delays and cancellations. DFAT warned that more cancellations are likely and there is a possibility that the Beirut airport may shut down completely. They also stated that in such circumstances, the Australian government may not be able to assist citizens with leaving the country. If individuals choose to stay in Lebanon while flights are still operating, they should be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period of time.

This new warning comes as Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that the government has already helped a number of Australians to evacuate and more flights are scheduled. The government has been advising against travel to Lebanon since last October, but it is estimated that around 15,000 Australians are still in the country. Minister Wong also mentioned that they are working with other countries, such as Canada and the UK, to ensure that Australians who wish to leave are able to do so.

She also urged all Australians in Lebanon to register with DFAT's online crisis portal in order to receive updates and assistance. The government is in contact with registered Australians and is working on securing more flights in the coming days. Minister Wong concluded by saying that their priority is the safety and well-being of all Australians in Lebanon and they will continue to provide support and assistance to those who need it.

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