Repatriation Flights from Lebanon Use Darkened Aircraft and GPS Lock - 16/10/2024 - World - Folha

Exclusive feature for subscribers

sign it or log in

When it reached 26,000 feet while approaching Beirut airport on Sunday (13th), the KC30 of the Brazilian Air Force lost GPS. Since the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon intensified, the Israeli army has begun blocking satellite location signals to prevent possible guided missiles from Hezbollah militia.

The co-pilot, Captain Lucas Braga, and the pilot, Major Willian Matos, began flying using only instructions from the control tower and other alternative information. Preparing to land at an airport where bombings frequently occur nearby, the crew had already turned off all lights to camouflage the aircraft. They were also carrying plenty of extra fuel in case they needed to change course.

The Brazilian Air Force was picking up a precious cargo—hundreds of Brazilians living in Lebanon who are fleeing the country due to the war. Among the casualties from the bombings are two Brazilian teenagers.

As of Monday (14th), the operation had rescued 1,105 Brazilians when the fifth repatriation flight arrived in Brazil with 220 people. Folha followed the operation.

Last year, the Brazilian Air Force repatriated 1,555 Brazilians from Israel and Gaza in 13 flights. This time, the demand is higher. Before the conflict, around 22,000 Brazilians were living in Lebanon.

Receive in your email inbox a summary of the day

Carregando...