Gulf airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, have temporarily suspended flights to Beirut following the deadliest bombardment of Lebanon since 2006, escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Other international carriers, like Etihad Airways and flydubai, have also halted services to Beirut, citing safety concerns for passengers and crew.
A rare Israeli airstrike on Beirut has killed at least 37 people, including three children, and injured over 60, sparking renewed tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The strike, which targeted Hezbollah leader Ibrahim Akil, has been met with warnings of escalating conflict and renewed exchanges of fire between the two sides.
Israel has launched another airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon, killing a senior Hezbollah commander, Ahmed Mahmud Wahbi. This attack follows a previous strike that killed the head of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force and several other commanders. The airstrike comes amidst heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, marked by a series of attacks and counter-attacks.
Qatar Airways has banned passengers from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on flights following a series of explosions in Lebanon. The ban, which applies to both checked and carry-on luggage, as well as cargo, was announced on September 19, 2024, and comes as a result of a directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon. The explosions, which occurred on September 18, 2024, resulted in at least 20 deaths and over 450 injuries. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has also initiated targeted strikes against Hezbollah’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure in Lebanon, citing the group’s use of civilian homes and tunnels for their activities.
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.
