Defence prepares for possible evacuation flights from Middle East, as Govt says commercial flights still best
The Defense Force has begun preparations for possible evacuation flights from the Middle East, but the government insists commercial travel is still the best way for Australians stranded by the Iran conflict to return home.
Nightly understands Brisbane-based military personnel have been put on renewed alert for potential overseas deployments as part of the government’s future return efforts.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has urged Australians trying to leave the Middle East region to focus on buying commercial tickets first, as this will be quicker than waiting for possible military evacuations.
“If we can get commercial flights, if the airspace is available, it would probably be quicker in terms of volume to get Australians home, but we’re working through a number of contingencies,” Senator Wong told reporters in Canberra.
“This is one of the contingencies we’re always looking at, but the scale of the numbers right now means the resumption of commercial flights will be the most effective way to get Australians home.”
About 115,000 Australians are currently believed to be in the Middle East, with many stranded in the region after more than 12,000 flights were canceled since the start of the war against Iran.
In a brief statement, a Defense spokesperson confirmed to The Nightly: “Defence remains ready to support Whole of Government contingency planning led by DFAT.”
Australia’s military headquarters at Al Minhad outside Dubai, which was hit by Iranian drone strikes at the weekend, will again be the likely starting point for any evacuation flights if the government decides to give permission.
