Middle East Airlines (MEA) has announced significant flight delays and schedule changes for routes to Beirut from September 13 to 15, 2024, affecting several destinations. The changes are attributed to technical reasons involving aircraft insurance risk allocation between Lebanon and other destinations.
Swiss International Air Lines has announced the resumption of daily flights to Tel Aviv, effective September 5, 2024. This decision follows a thorough security assessment, while the suspension of flights to Beirut is extended until October due to commercial factors. The airline emphasizes its commitment to passenger safety and offers full refunds for those who wish to cancel their Tel Aviv bookings.
SWISS has extended the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until September 4th due to the situation in the Middle East. Flights to Beirut are also paused until the end of October, but this is due to commercial factors, not security concerns. The airline will continue to use Northeastern Iranian airspace for overflights but will avoid the rest of Iran, Iraq, and Israel for now.
Lebanon’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant surge fueled by visa-free travel to 45 countries, including popular destinations like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Barbados, and Qatar. The ease of travel boosts Lebanon’s global tourism appeal, attracting international visitors and fostering economic growth. Lebanese travelers are also venturing further afield, exploring top Middle Eastern destinations such as Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, seeking diverse cultural and historical experiences.
Air France has announced the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut scheduled for Sunday and Monday, citing the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. The decision comes after Israel launched airstrikes into Lebanon, prompting concerns for passenger safety.
SWISS has temporarily suspended flights between Zurich and Tel Aviv, as well as Beirut, due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The airline is prioritizing the safety of its passengers and staff, offering free rebooking or refunds to affected travelers. This decision comes as SWISS reports strong passenger numbers and a surge in flight operations for the first half of 2024.
Israeli warplanes flew low over Beirut, breaking the sound barrier three times in less than 30 minutes, causing loud booms that sent people running for cover just before a speech by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. The incident occurred ahead of Nasrallah’s address marking one week since the killing of a top Hezbollah commander in an Israeli strike, escalating tensions in the region.
Israel launched a deadly strike in Beirut, targeting and killing Hezbollah’s top military commander, Fuad Shukr, in retaliation for a rocket attack on the Golan Heights that killed 12 children. The attack sparked international concern and raised fears of escalating tensions in the region.
Air France and Lufthansa have suspended flights to Beirut following Israel’s threat of retaliation for a deadly rocket attack launched from Lebanon. The incident has heightened fears of the conflict spreading from Gaza to Lebanon, causing travel disruptions and anxiety for passengers at Beirut airport.
Flights to and from Beirut have been cancelled or delayed due to insurance risks amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The disruptions come after a deadly rocket strike in the Golan Heights, raising concerns of a full-scale war. Several airlines, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and MEA, have announced cancellations or delays.
