‘Take the first flight’: Government upgrades ‘do not travel’ warning for Lebanon

Escalating warfare has forced the Australian government to issue a dire warning, saying flights out of one country may soon not be an option.

The Australian government has upgraded its warnings for travel for Lebanon, urging people to leave immediately while commercial flights are still available.

The official warning about Lebanon has been “do not travel” since October, but on Friday the Australian government warned that a flight out could soon no longer be an option.

“Australians in Lebanon should leave immediately while commercial flights remain available,” the updated advice reads.

The Australian government has upgraded its travel warnings for Lebanon. Picture: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

“The security situation could deteriorate rapidly throughout Lebanon with little or no notice.”

Airlines are cancelling flights.

“You should take the first available flight and not wait for a preferred route.”

“Beirut airport could close, and you may be unable to leave for an extended period.”

“If you choose not to leave while commercial flights are operating, be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period.”

The fight between Hamas and Hezbollah, and the Israeli forces, has forced the Australian government to escalate its warnings for travel to Lebanon. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The increasingly dangerous situation is because of air strikes, missiles and rockets.

In July, Israel struck buildings in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, killing a Hezbollah commander, a woman and two children.

Tensions were simmering between Lebanon and the military of neighbouring Israel until August 25.

Supplied video still from the Israel Defense Forces in October: "The IDF struck a Hezbollah post - operated by a terrorist cell - a short while ago. In addition, a target - headed toward Israeli airspace from Lebanon - was intercepted before crossing over." Picture: Supplied via NewsWire

On that day Israel launched what it said was a pre-emptive attack on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, using 100 jets to hit thousands of Hezbollah launch sites.

At least 15 Lebanese towns were hit in the widest Israeli attack on Hezbollah since October 8, Al Jazeera reported.

Hezbollah fired 340 rockets back at Israel later that morning.

“Terrorist attacks could occur anytime and anywhere, including in Beirut,” the Australian government advises.

“If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Lebanon, you can register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal.”