The UK Foreign Office has issued a stark warning for all Britons in Lebanon to leave the country as tensions escalate amidst Israel’s intensifying military campaign against Hezbollah.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the urgency, calling for citizens to “leave immediately” due to the worsening conflict.
The warning comes as the UK prepares to deploy 700 troops to Cyprus, ready to assist with the potential evacuation of up to 10,000 British nationals from Lebanon.
The Foreign Office has strongly advised against all travel to the region, stressing that those still in Lebanon should depart while commercial options remain viable.
“Events could escalate with little warning, which may severely affect or close exit routes out of Lebanon,” the Foreign Office said.
They also cautioned that commercial flights may be cancelled without notice, while roads across the country could be blocked.
Those who fail to leave now may find it increasingly difficult to depart as conditions deteriorate.
Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut remains operational, but many airlines have suspended flights due to safety concerns.
Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national carrier, continues to offer limited flights, including its London Heathrow service.
However, MEA flights to the UK are sold out for the next week, while British Airways has temporarily suspended flights to Beirut.
Numerous airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air France, and Lufthansa, have cancelled flights, limiting the number of available seats for those trying to leave.
Turkish Airlines, which typically offers three daily flights to Istanbul, is a key loss as it provided vital connections to the UK.
The border with Israel is currently closed, leaving Syria as the only land exit option.
However, the Foreign Office has warned against travel to Syria due to ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions.
Despite the risks, some travellers may attempt the journey to Damascus, where the airport remains operational with flights offering connections to the UK via Kuwait or Sharjah.
The British Embassy in Beirut is providing limited consular support and can only be accessed by appointment.
In emergencies, Britons are advised to contact the embassy via the Foreign Office’s emergency contact form.
With the situation rapidly changing, authorities have stressed that remaining in Lebanon poses significant risks, and anyone able to leave should do so immediately.
