Adam Thorn

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said 255 people boarded the flights, though little detail has been given as to the aircraft or airlines involved.

It follows two planned flights out of Tel Aviv being cancelled over the weekend, including a second Qantas 787 service planned for Sunday.

The $150 million agreement means the state will receive a new Airbus H145 D3 and Bell 412 EP, while an existing 30-year-old police helicopter will be retired.

The airline will initially use a smaller 787-9 to take Australians from Tel Aviv to the British capital, with two services confirmed for today and Sunday.

The recommendation was among ten made by the group, which also called on the government to “immediately review” the decision to deny the Middle Eastern airline the right to increase its services into Australia.

Tony Brun argued poor air traffic control and firefighter hours are hampering his airport’s ability to attract passenger and service flights.