Qantas to Evacuate Australians From Israel

A photo taken on Aug. 20, 2023, shows a line-up of Qantas planes at Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Qantas will operate federal government-supported repatriation flights for Australians trapped in Israel on Oct. 13.

Multiple Qantas flights from Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport will leave at the end of the week, bound for London.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there will be two flights for Australians initially, with further options being considered by the government.

“I want to thank Qantas for making their facilities available for flights to travel from Ben Gurion Airport to London. Two flights have been organised already,” Mr. Albanese said.

“We understand that many Australians are experiencing difficulties with delays and cancellations with commercial flights. For Australians who do not already have plans to leave through commercial options, Australian government-assisted departure flights will depart from Friday,” the prime minister said.

Australians need to register with the government’s 24-hour consular emergency centre to leave on those repatriation flights.

The news of flights out of Israel comes after one Australian citizen was confirmed dead in Israel earlier on Oct. 11.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong confirmed Galit Carbone was murdered in the attacks on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas.

“On behalf of the government, I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Carbone,” Ms. Wong said.

“The loss of life from these attacks has been devastating and unacceptable. Australia has called for the attacks to stop and for the immediate and unconditional release of all those taken hostage.”

A missile explodes in Gaza City during an Israeli air strike on Oct. 8, 2023. Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images

Board Cleanout at Qantas

Meanwhile, Qantas is planning changes to its board amid ongoing “reputational issues” and to try restore public trust in the company.

The board will appoint a new chairman and non-executive directors in future months.

Current Chair Richard Goyder will not leave immediately though, and will retire prior to the Annual General Meeting in late 2024.

Mr. Goyder said he had always sought to act in the best interests of Qantas.

“Qantas has gone through an incredibly difficult period since our operation was grounded during the pandemic. The recovery has not been easy, and mistakes were made. We again apologise for those times where we got it wrong,” Mr. Goyder said in a statement.

“As a Board, we acknowledge the significant reputational and customer service issues facing the Group and recognise that accountability is required to restore trust.”

A general view of the Qantas training campus is seen in Sydney, Australia on Aug. 25, 2022. Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Qantas pilots had called for the resignation of Mr.Goyder in late September.

Non-executive director Michael L’Estrange will be leaving the company at the Qantas AGM on Nov. 3.

In a further step, board members Jacqueline Hey and Maxine Brenner will also step down at the time of Qantas’ half-year results in February 2024.

Another three directors will be up for re-election at the AGM, including Doug Parker, Heather Smith, and CEO and managing director Vanessa Hudson.

“Once the new directors are in place, the Board is expected to have an average tenure of around three years at the 2024 AGM, providing a balance of fresh leadership with necessary continuity,” Qantas said.

Shareholders appeared to react well to news out of the company with the share price rising 2.65 percent at the close of trade.