Canberra organises Egypt evacuation flight

Australians trapped in Egypt can evacuate aboard a government-chartered Qantas flight on Wednesday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says.

Ms Gillard said the Qantas charter would leave Cairo on Wednesday and be free to Australians who take up the offer to get on. She said as a result of Australian travel advice to leave Egypt many Australians had organised their own flight arrangements on commercial flights.

"Cairo airport is still operational and commercial flights are leaving Cairo airport," she told reporters in Canberra.

There was significant pressure on commercial flights out of the country, the prime minister said.

Contacts

Australian Embassy in Cairo: 202 2575 0444

DFAT emergency centre: (61) 2 6261 3305