Hundreds fleeing from Lebanon arrive in Cyprus

NICOSIA, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) — Hundreds of foreign nationals have arrived by sea and air in Cyprus from Lebanon following requests for evacuation provided under the country’s “Estia” plan, with many more expected to arrive by air in the next few days, Cypriot authorities said on Friday.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Theodoros Gotsis told the state-run Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that five countries’ have requested for “assisted departure” of their citizens in Lebanon. For example, Portugal has asked for help to evacuate 44 European Union (EU) nationals.
Officials engaged in the “Estia” plan said they are prepared for up to 100,000 people, who may ultimately need to be evacuated.
Authorities at a marina near the popular Ayia Napa tourist resort said that up to five luxury yachts arrive daily from Beirut with about 20 people on each boat. The evacuees had to pay a high price for the 10-hour trip from Lebanon to Cyprus.
Gotsis said that Australia has also asked for assistance to evacuate about 500 people holding Australian citizenship, with further evacuation flights expected.
Two Qantas planes are expected to ferry the Australian nationals from Beirut to Cyprus on Saturday, which will then depart to Sydney on Monday and Wednesday.
Another rescue flight is expected to be operated by Middle East Airlines for Cypriot nationals, who are scheduled to arrive at Larnaca late on Friday night.
On Thursday, a Greek military transport plane transferred back 38 Cypriots and 22 Greek nationals.
Middle East Airlines operates two daily regular flights from Beirut to Larnaca, and Cyprus Airways operates one more flight. Both airlines said all seats had been sold out for the next two weeks.
Israeli airlines, including El Al, Israir, and Arkia, operate around 10 flights daily from Tel Aviv to Larnaca. It is reported that the occupancy on all Israeli flights is above 90 percent, with most passengers being Israeli citizens. ■