In recent days, a number of airlines have canceled or suspended flights to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport due to escalating tensions in the region. The cancellations come as Israel and the Hezbollah militia group appear to be on the brink of a full-scale conflict, following a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on July 27, 2024.
Major airlines, including Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, and Eurowings, have announced the suspension of their routes to and from Beirut until at least August 6, 2024, as a precautionary measure. Other airlines like Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines have also followed suit, with Turkish Airlines canceling some flights.
Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national carrier, has rescheduled several flights and is carefully managing its operations to mitigate risks associated with the current instability. The airline has delayed some of its flights to avoid late-night arrivals, citing technical reasons related to the distribution of insurance risks.
The situation remains fluid, with additional disruptions expected. Beirut’s airport, which has a history of being a conflict zone during past wars, is once again facing uncertainty as tensions mount. Meanwhile, governments, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, have issued travel advisories urging their citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon during this volatile period.
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, the impact on international travel and regional stability is becoming increasingly severe. Travelers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and heed official travel warnings as the situation continues to develop.
