Due to increasing tensions between Israel and an armed political group, Hezbollah, there have been many cancellations and delays at Beirut airport. In the past three months, Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national carrier, has blamed disruptions to its calendar of flights on insurance risks.
At the same time, the load factor decreased in the second quarter due to the temporary termination of five routes to/from Beirut by partners of Lufthansa, namely Swiss International Air Lines and Eurowings, up to July 30, as an excess of caution.
Situations at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, the only international airport in Lebanon, have been volatile. During the civil war and previous fighting with Israel, such as the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, the airport was attacked.
The latest tensions were ignited Saturday by a rocket attack that killed twelve teenagers and children in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The Security Cabinet of Israel has approved the attack and the government of Israel to retaliate, while Hezbollah has dismissed any involvement in the attack.
Due to the increased security risks Turkish Airlines, SunExpress – a Turkey-based low-cost airline, –, a Turkish Airlines’ subsidiary AJET, Aegean Airlines – a Greek carrier, Ethiopian Airlines and Middle East Airlines have all cancelled the flights that were to arrive in Beirut on Monday.
MEA has also said some flights scheduled to arrive in Beirut at night will have delayed departures because of “technical issues concerning the allocation of risks for aircraft insurance between Lebanon and other stations.
Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel forced flight and shipping companies to cancel their operations in the region as a result of the reciprocal Israel and Iran drone and missile attacks in April. Lufthansa had earlier canceled all night-time flights to and from Beirut in July due to “current developments” in the Middle East.
The current situation with Beirut airport is quite indicative of many problems of Middle Eastern societies and their shocks; therefore, it is high time to continue negotiations with peaceful intentions towards conflict in increasing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
