DUBAI: Several Gulf airlines including Qatar Airways and Emirates temporarily suspended flights to Beirut on Tuesday amid escalation between Israel and Hezbollah after the deadliest Israeli bombardment of Lebanon since 2006.
The strikes, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the deaths of 558 people, including children and women.
Emirates announced the suspension of its flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, stating, “The safety of our crew and customers is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.”
Qatar Airways, which operates two daily flights to the Lebanese capital, confirmed it would halt services until September 25 due to the ongoing conflict.
Etihad Airways and flydubai, Emirates’ low-cost sister airline, also cancelled their flights, with Etihad announcing the cancellation of its return flight from Abu Dhabi scheduled for Wednesday.
Flydubai similarly suspended its daily flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, citing the “ongoing developments” in the region.
Other airlines such as Germany’s Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta Air Lines have joined the list of carriers suspending flights to Beirut. Air France extended its suspension until October 1, while Lufthansa announced a halt to flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until October 14.
A source from Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines indicated a surge in demand for flights as travelers sought alternatives amid the cancellations, saying, “Our flights are all overbooked because of the cancellations of other airlines. There is not a single seat available for any destination before Sunday.”
