Fury as Aussies trapped in war-torn Israel learn Anthony Albanese’s rescue planes will drop them off in London rather than take them home to Australia

Australians hoping to catch rescue flights from Israel have slammed the Albanian government after realizing the planes are dropping them off in London instead of taking them home.

Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday that his government had arranged for two Qantas planes to fly holidaymakers out of Israel following the brutal Hamas offensive in the region that began on Saturday.

For the 10,000 Australians left hiding in bomb shelters in the conflict zone and unable to escape because of canceled commercial flights, Mr Albanese’s announcement could not have come soon enough.

They had felt angry and confused as to why the Australian government was not doing more to remove them, especially when nations including France, Brazil and Canada had sent rescue planes to repatriate their citizens days earlier.

However, some travelers say the announcement has turned out to be bittersweet.

One woman, who did not want to be named, told Daily Mail Australia she was grateful the planes were available, but said people were frustrated because they were going to England and there had been no communication about connecting flights.

She said there were further concerns because the two planes have a combined capacity of around 1,200 people, which could mean another 8,000 are lost.

“Does it count as repatriation if they are not brought home but picked up five hours away from home?” she asked.

All we’ve been told is that there are two flights going to London. We called the consulate hotline and they didn’t tell us anything.

“This creates another stressful and expensive experience for travelers who are already exhausted and traumatized.”

She asked if passengers would have to pay for accommodation and food in London, and then pay thousands for direct flights to Australia.

“I know a lot of these people are already maxed out with surcharges and have to pay more for hotels, and nothing is covered by travel insurance because they don’t cover war,” the woman said.

The woman also pointed out that the only people eligible for rescue flights are those who have not booked commercial flights.

She said some people have reservations but flights continue to be cancelled, adding: “They may not be eligible for these flights, but then their commercial flights may be canceled and they are still stranded.

“How do they choose who goes on the two flights?”

At a press conference on Thursday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she had signed off on a third flight.

“It’s a case of what availability can be fixed the fastest,” she said.

“We will see if any further assisted launches are required.”

The first flight will depart from Tel Aviv on Friday and the second will depart on Saturday.

Australians in Israel who are interested in these flights should register with the government’s 24-hour consular emergency centre.