Airlines Suspend Beirut Flights Due to Escalating Conflict in Lebanon
Multiple airlines have canceled flights to and from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) as the conflict in Lebanon intensifies. The escalating violence, fueled by ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, has prompted safety concerns for passengers and crew, leading to significant disruptions in air travel.
The cancellations follow a surge in violence on September 24, 2024, when Israeli strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon resulted in more than 550 fatalities, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched approximately 300 rockets into northern Israel the following day, targeting key military sites.
Among the airlines halting flights, Emirates and its subsidiary flydubai were among the first to announce cancellations of their Dubai-Beirut routes. Emirates emphasized the importance of safety in a statement, saying, “We continue to closely monitor the situation in Lebanon and are in contact with the relevant authorities. The safety of our crew and customers is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.”
Air France has also suspended its flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Beirut, extending the suspension until at least October 1, 2024. The airline cited “the security situation at the destination” as the reason for the extended halt. While flights to Tel Aviv resumed on September 21, 2024, services to Lebanon remain suspended.
Other major carriers, including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, and Egyptair, have also suspended operations to Beirut as the situation remains volatile. These airlines are closely monitoring developments to determine when flights can safely resume.
Despite the wave of flight suspensions, Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), continues to operate flights from Beirut airport. MEA has reported that all flights are fully booked until at least September 29, 2024, reflecting a high demand from passengers trying to leave the country amidst the unrest.
The growing conflict has sparked global concern, with discussions about the potential for a regional war dominating the UN General Assembly in New York on September 22 and 23, 2024. World leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have called for a ceasefire, urging immediate action to prevent further escalation. Biden emphasized the need to finalize peace talks in Gaza, stating, “I put forward with Qatar and Egypt a ceasefire and hostage deal. It’s been endorsed by the UN Security Council.”
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian also addressed the conflict during an interview with CNN, warning that Hezbollah “cannot stand alone” against Israel. He further criticized the perceived inaction of the UN, underscoring the potential for the conflict to spiral into a broader regional crisis.
As tensions continue to rise, airlines and passengers remain on high alert, with flight cancellations likely to continue until the security situation stabilizes. The aviation industry is closely watching developments in Lebanon, weighing safety risks while hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict.
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