More than 10,000 Australians have now returned home on direct commercial flights from the Middle East since the conflict escalated earlier this month, according to the Albanese Government.
As of 5am AEDT on Tuesday, 10,372 Australians had arrived back in Australia on 103 direct flights since 4 March, with another three flights due later in the day.
The figures highlight the scale of the evacuation effort as fighting and instability continue across parts of the region. Alongside those who returned directly to Australia, many more Australians are understood to have left the Middle East via Europe and Asia.
The federal government credited regional partners and commercial airlines for helping move people out of affected areas as quickly as possible. Officials said ongoing cooperation between governments, airports and airlines had been critical in keeping routes open while conditions remain uncertain.
Canberra has continued to urge Australians still in the Middle East to leave while commercial flights remain available. The government warned that the situation could deteriorate quickly, with airspace closures, cancelled flights and border restrictions all possible at short notice.
Australians have been advised not to delay departure if they can safely reach an airport and secure a seat on a flight out of the region.
Australia currently maintains “Do Not Travel” advice for a number of destinations across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The government has also warned Australians against transiting through airports in affected countries, even for short stopovers. Officials said airport operations can change rapidly, leaving travellers stranded or unable to continue their journeys.
Australia has continued to call for dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict, warning that a prolonged war would increase the humanitarian and economic pressures already facing the region.
Australians needing urgent consular help can contact the Consular Emergency Centre at any time.
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