Denmark renews call for nationals to leave Lebanon immediately

By Ebad Ahmed

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AA) - Denmark on Tuesday renewed its urgent call for Danish nationals to leave Lebanon immediately, citing the increasing risk that commercial flights may be halted without prior notice in the coming days.

“Travel now while it's still possible. There is an increasing and significant risk that commercial opportunities will cease altogether without warning. Don't wait for a direct flight to Denmark, but book the first available tickets out of the country,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It also told Danish nationals that transportation to Beirut Airport was their own responsibility, encouraging them to search for options and leave before a potential halt in flights.

The Danish government also discouraged plans to leave Lebanon through a possible emergency evacuation scheme, maintaining that such evacuation is only initiated under very limited cases and financed by the citizens themselves.

“Evacuation is only initiated in very special cases and will take place under very difficult conditions. Any evacuation will be at your own expense and will be significantly more expensive than a ticket with a commercial aircraft,” the statement said.

Earlier in January, the Danish government issued a travel advisory against going to Lebanon due to the "volatile security situation."

"The situation is unpredictable and can change at very short notice. It is still possible to travel out of the country by commercial aircraft, but this can change quickly," according to the Foreign Ministry. “Tickets can be fewer and much more expensive. You should ensure that you have valid travel documentation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ability to provide assistance in Lebanon may be limited in a possible crisis situation,” it said.

Tensions are at an all-time high between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group as Tel Aviv continues its extensive air raids into its northern neighbor. Hundreds of civilians have been killed and thousands more forced to flee their homes.