22 tons of Egyptian aid sent to Lebanon, 298 citizens return home

CAIRO – 23 October 2024:  A special EgyptAir flight departed from Cairo International Airport, Wednesday, marking the third emergency flight organized to evacuate Egyptians residing in Lebanon who wish to return home amid the current crisis in the country.

This initiative comes in response to directives from the Egyptian political leadership to provide all necessary support to Lebanon and its people, reflecting ongoing coordination efforts by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with various state institutions.

Flight number MS 1711 took off from Cairo International Airport at 2:30 p.m., carrying 22 tons of humanitarian aid and medical supplies. The aid was provided by the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Ministry of Health to assist Lebanon during its challenging times.

The flight is scheduled to depart Beirut at 5:15 p.m., returning to Cairo International Airport with 298 Egyptian citizens on board, all of whom expressed the desire to return to Egypt due to the ongoing situation in Lebanon.

Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, emphasized the Ministry's commitment to ensuring full coordination and effective communication with relevant state agencies to provide comprehensive support to the Lebanese people by delivering humanitarian aid. He also highlighted the collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating the safe return of Egyptians.

This was achieved through ongoing communication with the Egyptian embassy and EgyptAir's station in Beirut to monitor the situation and ease travel procedures. El-Hefny reaffirmed EgyptAir's national responsibility in supporting such critical operations.