U.S. Embassy in Beirut has issued a new advisory regarding the ongoing challenges with commercial air travel out of the country.

According to the embassy, several airlines have either suspended or canceled flights, leading to a situation where many flights are now fully booked.

Despite these hurdles, the embassy confirms that options for commercial transportation are still available.

"We encourage those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket available to them," a spokesperson for the embassy stated. "Even if the flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route, it is crucial to secure a seat on the earliest possible flight."

For U.S. citizens facing financial difficulties, the embassy has announced that repatriation loans are available. Individuals in need of this assistance should contact the embassy directly. The embassy's advisory advises citizens who choose to remain in Lebanon to prepare contingency plans for emergencies and be ready to shelter in place if necessary.

U.S. military-assisted evacuations from foreign countries are infrequent, the embassy warns. "U.S. citizens should not rely on the U.S. government for assisted departure or evacuation in a crisis," the statement emphasized. Should an evacuation occur, no guarantee extended family members or pets can be accommodated, and evacuees will be responsible for reimbursing the U.S. government for transportation costs. Furthermore, the costs for onward travel from a safe location to the United States will also fall to the evacuees.

In light of these circumstances, the embassy advises U.S. citizens to:

• Plan their departure independently of U.S. government assistance.
• Ensure that all family members have valid travel documents, including unexpired passports and necessary visas.
• Keep cell phones charged and ready for emergency use.
• Exercise caution, stay informed by monitoring news closely, and update travel plans based on new information.
• Be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period if the situation deteriorates.

Citizens are also encouraged to review the Traveler’s Checklist to ensure they are fully prepared for any developments.