Overview of the Repatriation Effort
In response to the urgent need for evacuating Australian citizens from Lebanon amid rising regional tensions, the Australian Government has chartered two Qantas flights to safely bring citizens back to Australia. The first of these flights, operated by Qantas’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, embarked from Sydney International Airport on October 7, 2024, at 07:03 local time and is scheduled to arrive at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus at 15:22 local time on the same day.
Flight Details and Logistics
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered VH-ZNC, is one of the 14 Dreamliners in Qantas’ fleet specially equipped for long-haul flights. The flight path took the aircraft over central Australia, exiting over the Indian Ocean south of Broome, and then tracking along the southern borders of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India before crossing over the Middle East to the Mediterranean and into Cyprus.
The duration of the flight from Sydney to Larnaca is approximately 18 hours and 15 minutes, covering a distance of about 9,931 miles (15,890 km). This distance slightly exceeds that of Qantas’ regular Perth to London service, which is the longest in its network but currently suspended. The return flight benefits from prevailing winds, reducing the travel time to 17 hours and 20 minutes.
Preparation and Onboard Services
Each flight is staffed by four pilots and ten cabin crew members, accompanied by a support team comprising ground personnel, medical staff, and engineers. Qantas has equipped the aircraft with a specialized toolkit and spare parts to ensure the aircraft can be serviced and dispatched from Larnaca without delays.
The return flight is scheduled to depart Larnaca on October 9, 2024, carrying up to 220 passengers. It will arrive in Sydney on the evening of October 10, 2024. Upon arrival, passengers will be transported to their nearest domestic airport serviced by Qantas at no additional cost.
Partnership and Support Services
Qantas has partnered with the Australian Red Cross to enhance the support provided to repatriated citizens. The airline will distribute Australian Red Cross Trauma Teddies to all passengers, aiming to offer emotional comfort during the journey. Furthermore, Red Cross personnel will be available at Sydney Airport to provide psychological first aid and other necessary support to those returning.