Several major airlines have suspended flights to and from Beirut,
Lebanon, this week due to the escalating conflict between Israel and
Hezbollah. Carriers including Egyptair, Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and
Qatar Airways have halted operations in response to the increasing
security risks, according to reports from Reuters and Al Arabiya.
The suspensions follow Israel's latest wave of airstrikes on
Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, after the group launched a ballistic
missile intercepted before reaching Tel Aviv. The missile was reportedly
aimed at Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.
The UK government has advised British airlines to avoid Lebanese
airspace until 4 November, citing a "potential risk to aviation from
military activity."
Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian
Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, suspended Beirut flights
last week, with operations expected to remain paused until 26 October.
Middle East Airlines, Iraqi Airways, and UM Air are currently among
the few carriers still operating flights from Beirut Rafic Hariri
International Airport. Turkish Airlines has a scheduled flight from
Beirut to Istanbul on Thursday, but has not provided any updates
regarding possible cancellations.
The US Embassy in Lebanon has issued a statement urging US citizens
to leave the country while limited commercial flight options are still
available. "We urge those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket
available to them," the embassy said, recommending that those remaining
in Lebanon prepare contingency plans and be ready to shelter in place if
necessary.