Provided Overwatch for the Evacuation of Ukrainian Citizens from Lebanon

As the retained Crisis Response provider for SkyUp Airlines, Inherent Risks was tasked with providing Overwatch for a Mission to evacuate Ukrainian citizens from Lebanon.

In response to the worsening security situation on-the-ground in Lebanon, the decision was made by the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine to evacuate its citizens from the country.

Inherent Risks were made aware of the Mission with just 21-hours notice.

Having previous experience of working with SkyUp Airlines and various Ukrainian Government Agencies on the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from Sudan, systems and procedures had already been established.

The first phase of Inherent Risks' task was to conduct an on-the-ground Risk Assessment at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport in Lebanon, and to liaise with Airport Staff to confirm their Emergency Procedures.

The second phase was to develop an Emergency Contingency Plan for several worst case scenarios. These included the risk of the Aircraft being targeted en-route into land (or taking off), Airspace closing once the flight had landed in Beirut, and/or if the Airport was targeted by missiles or drones.

Inherent Risks' Response Consultants on-the-ground identified Safe Havens within the Airport perimeter, and outside the Airport, should any of the above decscribed scenarios happen; as well as potential safe routes and vehicle options to transport Ukrainian citizens and Aircrews.

In addition, liaison was carried out with the Aviation Insurance Broker and Underwriters to ensure such a Mission was covered.

The evacuation of 30 individuals was successful and without incident.