Lebanon: Several nations' diplomatic services issue warnings advising travelers to leave country as of Oct. 18

Event

Increased demand for outbound international flights is likely in Lebanon over the coming weeks after several nations' diplomatic services advised their nationals to leave the country as of Oct. 18. The communications come amid rising regional tensions and flight disruptions related to the Israel-Hamas war that broke out on Oct. 7, as well as concerns over significant conflict spillover to Lebanon, including the possibility of Hizballah ramping up military activities against Israel and Israeli forces carrying out major strikes in Lebanon. The following countries are among those that had issued related advisories to their nationals as of Oct. 18:

• Australia: Advised individuals to "reconsider your need to travel" to Lebanon due to the prevailing security environment, warning that a "crisis could limit commercial options for departure, and you should consider the first available option."

• Canada: Advised individuals to avoid nonessential travel due to an "unpredictable security situation, the increased risk of terrorist [attacks], and the armed conflict with Israel."

• France: Advised nationals to avoid nonessential travel to Lebanon "given the tense security situation in the region, particularly on Lebanon's southern border."

• Saudi Arabia: Advised nationals to "adhere to the travel ban decision, and for those who are currently in Lebanon to leave Lebanese [territory] immediately."

• UK: Advised nationals to avoid all travel to Lebanon and, if in the country, to depart now while commercial options remain available. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has also advised British nationals to register their presence with the FCDO; to do so, click here.

• US: Advised nationals to avoid all travel to the country while authorizing the "voluntary, temporary departure of family members of US government personnel and some non-emergency personnel from US Embassy Beirut due to the unpredictable security situation in Lebanon."

Additional countries' diplomatic services will likely issue similar advisories over the short term, especially if the Israel-Hamas war escalates to include major military action by Hizballah or other actors in Lebanon against Israel.

Swiss International Air Lines (LX) has suspended flights to and from Beirut until at least Oct. 28 due to recent clashes across the Israel-Lebanon border. Lufthansa (LH) had also suspended flights to and from the Lebanese capital Oct. 13-16, and Middle East Airlines (ME), Lebanon's flag carrier, moved several of its aircraft out of the country amid the heightened tensions. Additional conflict-related flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, may impact airlines operating flight services to and from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) over the coming weeks and potentially enlarge the gap between the available supply of commercial flights leaving Lebanon and consumers' demand for such flights.

Advice

Reconsider nonessential travel to Lebanon until the situation stabilizes. Reconfirm flights and arrive early at the airport to allow additional time for processing. Monitor developments related to the Israel-Hamas war closely, including the responses of diplomatic services and airlines operating in Lebanon. Keep a low public profile and avoid sensitive topics of conversation, especially with unfamiliar persons. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.