29 Sep 2024 | 05:41 PM UTC
Lebanon: Authorities confirm suspension of all foreign carriers' flights to and from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport as of Sept. 29
Foreign airlines suspend all flights via Beirut, Lebanon, as of Sept. 29; Middle East Airlines remains only carrier with service via Beirut.
All foreign airlines have suspended flight service via Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) as of Sept. 29. Middle East Airlines (ME), the flag carrier of Lebanon, is the only carrier continuing to offer flight service to and from BEY. Lebanese authorities have asserted that foreign airlines will be required to reapply for permission to provide flight service to and from BEY. The developments come amid a spike in tensions between Israel and the Lebanese Hizballah (LH) group and major exchanges of cross-border fire between the sides over the Israeli-Lebanese border.
The cancellation of foreign carriers' flights via BEY will likely result in increased demand for the remaining flights to and from the airport that are offered by Middle East Airlines. The foreign airlines' flight suspension will probably continue until the incidence of cross-border fire between Israel and the LH declines.
Prepare for heightened demand for remaining flights operating via BEY. Consider avoiding nonessential travel to Lebanon, particularly the border region shared with Israel, until the situation stabilizes. Consider departing Lebanon via commercial means while these are available. Note that commercial options to leave Lebanon may become increasingly limited if the security environment further deteriorates. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
