Qantas 787 Returns Australian Nationals from Lebanon

The first Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner designated to repatriate Australian nationals from conflict-torn Lebanon has safely returned to Sydney Airport (SYD). The aircraft collected Australians from Larnaca Airport (LCA) in Cyprus after they traveled there with government assistance.

Flight ASY1258 departed Larnaca just before 20:20 local time on October 7, 2024, and landed in Sydney nearly 16 and a half hours later at 20:48 on October 8, 2024. According to Qantas, the Dreamliner, registered as VH-ZNC, carried 220 passengers, along with four pilots, ten cabin crew members, and a dedicated team of ground staff, medical personnel, and engineers.

The 15,890 km flight surpassed the distance of Qantas’ Perth to London service, which holds the record for the longest flight in its network. This marathon journey also included an 18-hour flight from Sydney to Larnaca.

A second flight, ASY1270, is scheduled to depart Larnaca on the evening of October 9, 2024, with an expected arrival back in Australia late on October 10, 2024.

Approximately 15,000 Australians had been residing in Lebanon until recent government advisories urged them to leave. The urgency for evacuation increased following Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah. The Australian government’s swift response and Qantas’ support have been crucial in ensuring the safety of its citizens during this tumultuous time.

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