As tensions continue to rise, the future of air traffic to and from Beirut is uncertain.
Air traffic to and from Beirut is under heavy fire now that several airlines have canceled their flights due to increasing safety risks. The Lebanese airline Middle East Airlines (MEA) confirmed that the disruptions to their schedule are due to these risks, which are closely linked to the rising tensions between Israel and the Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah.
The unrest started this week when Greece's Aegean Airlines and Germany's Condor canceled their flights to the Lebanese capital. Other major European companies followed shortly afterwards. Transavia, Air France, Lufthansa, Swiss and Eurowings announced on Monday that they were suspending their flights to Beirut. Transavia, the only company that flies from Schiphol to Beirut, has canceled its flights for the time being until Thursday.
Lufthansa further expanded the measure and announced that it would not fly via or to Beirut until July 30. This decision also applies to the subsidiaries Swiss International Air Lines and Eurowings. The cancellations are described as a precautionary measure in response to increased threats in the region.
The situation worsened last weekend when a deadly attack took place on a football field near the town of Majdal Shams. Israel blames the attack on Hezbollah, which in turn denies any responsibility. This attack has led to an escalation in tensions, with Hezbollah, backed by Iran, increasing its attacks on Israel since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas.
The color code of the travel advice for Lebanon is red. Whatever your situation, don't travel there. It's too dangerous. The Dutch embassy cannot always help you if you get into trouble.
The Lebanese Foreign Minister suspects that the attack "was carried out by another organization or that it was a mistake by Israel or Hezbollah." The confusion and mutual recriminations have contributed to a climate of uncertainty and fear, prompting airlines to suspend flights.
In addition to the measures taken by the airlines, the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs also repeated its warning to travelers. All travel to Israel, Jerusalem, the Palestinian territory and Lebanon is strongly discouraged due to the ongoing tensions and increased security risks.
The impact of these decisions is significant for travelers using the affected flights. Flight cancellations not only cause inconvenience to passengers, but also have wider implications for diplomatic and economic relations in the region. The flight bans and the ongoing conflict are affecting trade and tourism, two important pillars of the Lebanese economy.
Airlines continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust their schedules based on the latest safety assessments. It is clear that the safety of passengers and staff is the top priority, but the uncertainty and lack of stability in the region make it difficult to make concrete plans. Shelling and bombings take place every day in the border area between Lebanon and Israel. The threats between Hezbollah and Israel are increasing, with the risk of further escalation of the conflict. It is unsafe in Lebanon and the situation remains very unpredictable.
