Multiple airlines have announced the cancellation of flights to and from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) due to the escalating conflict in Lebanon.
This decision comes in the wake of intensified bombardments in Beirut and southern Lebanon, as tensions rise between Hezbollah and Israel.
On September 24, 2024, Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of more than 550 people in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The next day, Hezbollah launched a retaliatory barrage of around 300 rockets into northern Israel, targeting key Israeli military sites.
מצורפים תיעודים מתקיפות חיל-האוויר: pic.twitter.com/pQmlQRBRHs
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) September 23, 2024
As a result, Emirates and its subsidiary flydubai have announced the cancellation of several flights between Dubai and Beirut.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Lebanon and are in contact with the relevant authorities,” Emirates emphasized in a statement. “The safety of our crew and customers is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.”
Air France also announced that it had extended its suspension of flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Beirut until October 1, 2024, citing “the security situation at the destination”. The French national carrier resumed flights to Tel Aviv on September 21, 2024.
Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, and Egyptair also suspended their services to the Lebanese capital.
In the meantime, the Lebanese flag carrier Middle East Airlines, which continues to operate from Beirut airport, reported that all its flights were full until at least September 29, 2024.
Concerns over the conflict’s escalation into a full-scale regional war dominated discussions at the UN General Assembly held on September 22 and 23, 2024, in New York. US President Joe Biden and other global leaders called for a ceasefire, with Biden stating it was “time to finalize” peace talks in Gaza.
“I put forward with Qatar and Egypt a ceasefire and hostage deal,” the US president said in his address. “It’s been endorsed by the UN Security Council.”
In an interview with CNN, Iran’s President Massoud Pezeshkian also weighed in on the situation, asserting that Hezbollah “cannot stand alone” against Israel. He criticized the UN’s perceived inaction.