Rising tensions between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah have led to significant disruptions at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Potential Large-Scale Conflict
According to Ziare several airlines, including Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, have canceled or delayed flights scheduled for July 28th and beyond due to security concerns. Lebanese airline Middle East Airlines (MEA) also announced changes to its flight schedule, citing insurance risks linked to the escalating situation.
The unrest follows a rocket attack that killed 12 teenagers and children in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. This attack heightened fears of a potential large-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran. In response, Israel's security cabinet authorized a counterattack, although Hezbollah has denied involvement in the incident.
Other airlines affected include Eurowings, SunExpress, Aegean Airlines, Ethiopian Air, and MEA, which have all adjusted their schedules for flights to Beirut.
Lufthansa Suspended Night Flights
The airport, Lebanon's only international gateway, has been a target in previous conflicts, including the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
As the situation remains volatile, MEA has cited "technical reasons related to the distribution of insurance risks" as the cause for the delays. The ongoing conflict has disrupted travel and shipping across the region, following earlier exchanges of drone and rocket fire between Israel and Iran.
Lufthansa had already suspended night flights to and from Beirut for the month of July, citing the "current developments" in the Middle East. As tensions continue to rise, further disruptions to air travel in the region are expected.
