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.
On Wednesday, a gunman attempted to attack the US embassy in Beirut’s northern suburb of Aukar. The Lebanese military shot and wounded the assailant, believed to be a Syrian national. The incident lasted about 30 minutes, with no casualties among embassy staff. Troops have been deployed around the embassy and surrounding areas. Previous attacks on the US embassy in Beirut include a deadly bombing in 1983 and another in 1984. Similar incidents occurred in 2023, with shootings and protests near the embassy.
Starting May 1st, 2024, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will resume overflights through Iranian airspace. Additionally, SWISS will restart regular passenger flights to Beirut from May 4th, operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This decision follows a period of stability in both Beirut and Iran, allowing SWISS to safely conduct flight operations in these areas. SWISS will continue to monitor developments and maintain close communication with authorities, ensuring the safety of its passengers and crew remains a top priority.
