Less than one-third of Canadians in Lebanon are taking government-assisted commercial flights out of the country when offered. The Canadian government has been booking seats on commercial flights for Canadians to leave Lebanon amid an intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. As of Tuesday, roughly 300 Canadians have left Lebanon on government-chartered flights to Istanbul. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly urged all Canadians to take the opportunity to leave while seats are available.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated further on Tuesday after Iran fired roughly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for the killings of top Hezbollah commanders. Israel has continued to launch attacks on Lebanon, leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including at least two Canadians. The Canadian government is aware of approximately 40,000 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and spouses in Lebanon, with 20,000 signed up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad system for updates. Of those who have filled out intake forms, about 4,000 are being vetted for admissibility into Canada and will be offered seats on commercial flights.
Of the 1,700 people vetted and offered a seat so far, less than one-third have indicated they will take one. Those who decline initial offers will continue to be offered seats on future flights. Ferry services are also available from Beirut to Istanbul, but spots are not being pre-booked by the government. Canadians can also book seats on flights themselves, but the government began reserving spots as the demand increased. The cost for a commercial flight from Beirut to Istanbul is US$330, and Canadians are responsible for covering that cost as well as the final flights from Turkey to Canada, with consular services providing loans to those unable to cover the costs immediately.
While the government understands the financial concerns and difficulties Canadians may face in leaving their homes and loved ones, they stress the importance of leaving immediately while they still can. The government has facilities and personnel in Turkey and Cyprus, with a focus on using commercial means to evacuate Canadian citizens from Lebanon. Contingency plans are in place in case the situation deteriorates further and airports are closed before the chartered flights are completed. Canadian MPs held an emergency debate in the House of Commons on the crisis in Lebanon following Israel’s ground incursion, which raised fears of a full-scale invasion. Military assets are being pre-positioned in the region in case an evacuation is ordered.
