- The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
Today we announce the Australian Government will begin the assisted-departure of Australians affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza.
On Monday, we directed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to assess all options to assist Australians wanting to leave.
Australian Government assisted-departure flights will depart from Ben Gurion Airport starting Friday for Australians who do not already have plans to leave through commercial options.
These flights will be operated by Qantas free-of-charge.
We understand many Australians are experiencing difficulties with delays and cancellations of commercial flights departing Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
Our immediate priority is to ensure the Australians who want to leave Israel are able to do so - but we are working on options for Australians who need onward support from London.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and consider whether further assisted-departure flights are required.
Australians who want to leave Israel via Australia's assisted-departure flights should register by calling the Australian Government's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).
Australians in Israel and Gaza who cannot reach Ben Gurion Airport, should contact the Consular Emergency Centre for assistance.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide updates to registered Australians.
