Nations issue urgent travel advisory on Lebanon

In light of recent escalating tensions between Lebanon and Israel, various nations have been issuing travel advisories telling nationals in Lebanon to return as soon as possible and for those poised to go there to hold off their trips.

The Australian government issued the following statement to nationals as of 31 July:

We continue to advise that Australians do not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further.

Australians in Lebanon should leave immediately while commercial flights remain available. The security situation could deteriorate rapidly throughout Lebanon with little or no notice. Some airlines have postponed or cancelled some flights. Further flight cancellations and disruptions could occur with little or no notice.

Beirut airport could close, and you may be unable to leave for an extended period. Airlines may cancel more flights or set high ticket prices for any remaining flights. There may also be other travel disruptions. The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave in such circumstances.

The Australian government’s preventive travel advisory has been in place since 19 October 2023. At the time it was issued, armed conflict was escalating in southern Lebanon.

From the UK FCDO

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued its own advisory against all travel to Lebanon due to risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hizballah, and other non-state actors in the Middle Eastern state.

FCDO officials added that there are ongoing mortar and artillery exchanges and airstrikes in Lebanon, primarily on the boundary with Israel but also in parts of the Beqaa Valley and some other locations north of the Litani river.

US Embassy warns of flight adjustments

In an advisory dated 28 July, the US Embassy in Lebanon called the attention of its nationals in the area to the fact that some airlines are adjusting their flight schedules in the country.

Middle East Airlines (MEA) announced that several flights originally due to land in Beirut on the evening of the 28th ended up landing on the morning of the 29th.

Other airlines flying into Beirut also made adjustments to their respective flight schedules in light of heightened border tensions.

US nationals travelling to or from Lebanon have also been asked to monitor their flight status closely, to be aware that itineraries could change with little or no warning, and to make alternate plans.

This is a developing story; details will be added as soon as developments occur.