Flights to Beirut Airport Resume Amid Ceasefire
Airline Operations Resuming at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport Following Ceasefire
Following the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in late November 2024, international airlines are cautiously resuming flights to Lebanon’s Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY). This development marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy and boosting tourism in the region. As airlines navigate the complexities of the current situation, many are eager to capitalize on the holiday travel demand expected in mid-December.
Cautious Resumption of Flights to Lebanon
Reports indicate that several airlines from Arab countries have already restarted their operations at Beirut Airport. However, Western carriers are adopting a more cautious approach, delaying their return to regular services. The ongoing security concerns stemming from recent hostilities have prompted many airlines to carefully assess the situation before fully committing to operations.
- Airlines Already Back in Action:
- Royal Jordanian resumed daily flights from Amman to Beirut on December 1, 2024.
- Turkish Airlines began its Istanbul to Beirut service on December 3, 2024, after a slight delay.
Lebanon’s Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, announced on December 4, 2024, that airline operations to and from Beirut International Airport have been approved. He emphasized the necessity of resuming flights to meet the surge in demand during the Christmas and New Year travel period.
Expected Flight Resumptions
By mid-December 2024, Lebanon anticipates a substantial increase in scheduled international flights. The country’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines, has continued limited operations throughout the recent tensions, ensuring connectivity for travelers. Other airlines are set to resume their services soon:
- Ethiopian Airlines to restart flights between Beirut and Addis Ababa on December 8, 2024.
- Qatar Airways plans to resume operations to Doha on December 9, 2024, with a daily round-trip flight.
- Emirates is expected to restart flights to Dubai on December 9, 2024, while Etihad Airways aims for a December 18, 2024 launch from Abu Dhabi.
- EgyptAir tentatively plans to resume flights from Cairo to Beirut on December 17, 2024.
Iraqi Airways is also preparing to gradually restore flights from Baghdad, Najaf, Sulaymaniyah, and Erbil starting December 8, 2024.
Western Airlines Remain Cautious
While many regional airlines are returning, Western carriers are still hesitant. Air France has suspended its Paris to Beirut flights until at least January 5, 2025, citing ongoing security issues. Similarly, the Lufthansa Group has indicated that a return to Beirut may not happen until March 2025.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Recovery
The resumption of international flights to Beirut Airport is a crucial step in Lebanon’s recovery efforts after a period of instability. As airlines resume their operations in response to the holiday travel surge, the country aims to restore normality for its citizens and visitors alike.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the evolving situation in Lebanon and explore related articles on travel trends in the region. For more information on airline operations and travel advisories, visit The New Arab and ch-aviation.
