Amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Beirut Airport remained operational on Sunday, albeit with significant disruptions. Numerous flights were canceled or delayed, leaving passengers stranded. The situation arose as both Israel and Hezbollah launched broad strikes across the border, further intensifying the ongoing hostilities.
Elham Shukair, a passenger heading to the United States via Jordan, was among those affected. She arrived at the airport at 4:30 am (0130 GMT) for her 8:00 am flight only to be informed of its cancellation. She later booked a flight with Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines in the hope of reaching Amman and continuing her journey.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been ongoing since the Palestinian militant group Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7th, has intensified in recent days. Israel launched airstrikes into Lebanon, claiming to have thwarted a large-scale Hezbollah attack. Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced its own cross-border strikes in retaliation for the killing of its top commander, Fuad Shukr, in an Israeli airstrike last month.
Concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict into a full-fledged war between Hezbollah and Israel, which last engaged in a devastating war in the summer of 2006, have heightened since Shukr’s death. Israel bombed Beirut Airport, Lebanon’s only international passenger facility, during that war.
At the airport on Sunday, passengers sat on the floor in the arrivals hall as screens displayed canceled or delayed flights. The arrivals area was largely empty, reflecting the impact of the situation on air travel. Diala Hatoum, who was scheduled to travel with her son on a Qatar Airways flight, shared that while their flight was still listed, it was delayed. She expressed uncertainty about the situation and said they were waiting.
Several airlines, including Air France, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and Etihad Airways, announced the suspension of flights to and from Beirut due to the ongoing conflict. Air France suspended flights scheduled for Sunday and Monday, stating that the suspension could be extended depending on the situation in the Middle East. Royal Jordanian Airlines cited the current situation as the reason for their suspension, while Etihad Airways also canceled their services to and from Beirut.
In recent weeks, German airline giant Lufthansa had already announced a suspension of flights to Beirut, extending it until September 30th. However, the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority emphasized that the airport is functioning normally despite the disruptions, dismissing rumors of complete flight cancellations.
The current situation at Beirut Airport reflects the broader impact of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on civilian life and travel. While the airport remains operational, the uncertainty surrounding the conflict continues to affect air travel, leaving many passengers stranded and uncertain about their journeys.
