RAF Conducts Evacuation of British Nationals from Israel to Cyprus

In a recent evacuation mission, RAF A400M Atlas aircraft and crews played a crucial role in transporting British nationals and their dependents from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Larnaca, Cyprus. Over three days, these flights were essential to the evacuation effort organised by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with RAF flights successfully evacuating more than 220 eligible individuals.

The missions began from Cyprus and RAF Brize Norton, landing at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, before proceeding to Larnaca, Cyprus. There, passengers were received by FCDO consular teams in preparation for their return journey to the UK.

The Atlas A400M was refitted to include a seating pack, enabling it to carry just over 100 passengers. During this period, one aircrew member remarked: "This is the day job, but it is one of the most rewarding elements of the job when you become involved in any humanitarian activity."

The passengers comprised a diverse group, including pensioners, two of whom had recently turned 91, as well as young families, with the youngest passenger being only 3 months old.

One evacuee, Jeff, recounted his experience: “My family and I were caught in a situation that quickly escalated from a joyous celebration at a wedding to navigating a war zone. My wife, elderly parents (86 and 91) and I were absolutely terrified running to bomb shelters in the middle of the night and the uncertainty of how we would get home.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) maintained consistent communication with British nationals, offering updates and support throughout the crisis response. The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team diligently evaluated the situation on the ground and coordinated the logistics of the evacuation flights, with support from the FCDO’s Rapid Deployment Team.

The ability to utilise RAF Aircraft such as A400M, Voyager and C-17 underpins the speed at which the humanitarian mission was executed. "The Air Mobility Force is extremely agile; flexibility is key so that personnel and aircraft can change roles rapidly and deliver operations such as these evacuation flights at very short notice," said Squadron Leader Katie Hermolle, Commander of the Air Mobility Detachment.

Many evacuees offered immense gratitude for the RAF's swift response. Jeff added, "I cannot express how relieved I am to be back home after such a harrowing experience. The support from the RAF has been invaluable. It was a terrifying ordeal, but knowing that help was on the way made all the difference. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this operation.”

The successful evacuations highlighted the effective coordination and responsiveness of both the RAF and FCDO, along with the steadfast commitment of military personnel to assist British nationals globally.