The first of two special repatriation flights to evacuate Australian citizens from Lebanon and return them to Australia is nearing its destination in Cyprus. The flight is being operated by Australian flag carrier Qantas as a special charter flight on behalf of the Australian Government.

The flight is being operated by one of Qantas’ 14-strong fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners registered VH-ZNC. The flight departed Sydney International Airport (SYD) at 07:03 local time on October 7, 2024, and is due to touch down at Larnaca Airport (LCA) in Cyprus at 15:22 local time on the same day.

The expected flight time is 18 hours and 15 minutes from Sydney to Larnaca, and 17 hours and 20 minutes on the return leg. The shorter travel time on the return leg is due to prevailing winds. The total distance of the flight is around 9,931 miles (15,890 km), slightly exceeding the distance of the carrier’s  Perth to London direct service, which is the longest on its network but is currently suspended due to airspace closures in the Middle East following the rise in tensions.

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