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Australian Defence Force personnel have assisted a departure flight from Israel with 119 Australians and their family members onboard.
ADF and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade personnel conducted the flight out of Tel Aviv and through closed airspace over the country. It comes after the RAAF reportedly sent C-17 Globemasters to the region to assist in evacuations.
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“The Australian government continues to move quickly when opportunities to safely move Australians become available,” DFAT said.
“Travellers with existing tickets for cancelled flights are encouraged to keep speaking with airlines. This may be the fastest way to reach your final destination.
“We will continue to communicate directly with registered Australians who wish to depart Israel about any further plans for assisted departures. DFAT consular officers remain positioned across the region to assist departing Australians.”
The Australian government has previously facilitated bus transfers for Australians from Tel Aviv to the Jordanian capital of Amman.
It has also moved consular staff from Iran to Azerbaijan following the suspension of operations at the Australian embassy in Tehran earlier this week.
“We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe. Those who are unable to, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place,” DFAT said.
“We are continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries. At this stage, our ability to provide consular services is extremely limited due to the situation on the ground. The airspace remains closed.
“DFAT will also continue to provide support through the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre, direct contact with Australian citizens who have registered on our crisis portal and updates to travel advice.
“The suspension of embassy operations is consistent with steps taken by other countries, including New Zealand and Switzerland.
“Australians in Iran seeking consular assistance should call the Australian government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).”
The RAAF and commercial airlines have previously evacuated Australians from Israel in late 2023, and from Lebanon last year.
