A total of 1,550 people, primarily from third countries, had left Lebanon via Cyprus by Tuesday since the start of assisted departures on September 27, foreign ministry spokesperson Theodoros Gotsis said.

Australia started evacuating its nationals from Lebanon via Cyprus on Saturday, in the first large-scale operation to get citizens out of the country amid an Israeli onslaught on Iran-backed Hezbollah.

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Australian citizens land in Cyprus after being evacuated from Lebanon:::: Larnaca, Cyprus"I feel I feel very sad leaving my country, but I'm very happy to start a new life in Sydney."(Journalist asking "Were you in any danger")"Definitely.

The two charter flights will take Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their family members out of the Lebanon capital Beirut to the nearby island of Cyprus.

About 500 passengers were on board the first mercy flight and have been processed at Larnaca Airport. There were a mix of ages on board from the elderly to babes in arms and also, a mixture of emotions. Those coming off the flight said they are relieved to be safe and on their way back to Australia.

The deputy prime minister has urged Australians to come home from Lebanon as soon as possible, with two more flights set to evacuate citizens to Cyprus.

The evacuation is the first large-scale operation to get citizens out of the country amid the Israeli onslaught on Hezbollah.