BEIRUT, Lebanon: Flights at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport have faced significant cancellations and delays due to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Middle East Airlines (MEA) cited disruptions related to insurance risks as the primary cause of the scheduling issues.
On Monday, Lufthansa announced the suspension of five routes to and from Beirut operated by Swiss International Air Lines, Eurowings, and Lufthansa itself.
This precautionary measure, effective through July 30, reflects the growing apprehension over the safety of air travel amid regional instability. The move comes in response to increased risks following a recent rocket attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that resulted in the deaths of 12 teenagers and children.
In the wake of the attack, which was the deadliest since the escalation of the Gaza conflict initiated by Hamas on October 7, Israel’s security cabinet has authorized a strong response. Despite Hezbollah’s denial of involvement, the incident has heightened fears of a broader conflict.
READ ALSO: Khan Yunis Fighting Displaces 180,000 People in Four Days: UN
Further complicating the situation, several airlines, including Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, AJet, Aegean Airlines, and Ethiopian Air, have also canceled or delayed flights to Beirut. These disruptions extend beyond the immediate conflict, reflecting a broader trend of reduced air travel safety in volatile regions.
Beirut’s airport, Lebanon’s sole international gateway, has experienced similar disruptions during past conflicts, including the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. MEA has cited “technical reasons related to the distribution of insurance risks for aircraft” as contributing factors to the delays, exacerbating the already strained travel conditions.
The conflict has not only impacted aviation but also disrupted regional shipping and travel, with reciprocal drone and missile attacks between Israel and Iran earlier this year highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing hostilities.
