1:24 p.m.
Several Gulf airlines announced on Tuesday the suspension of their flights to Beirut until Wednesday, following large-scale Israeli bombings against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“Due to the current situation in Lebanon, Qatar Airways has suspended flights to and from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport until September 25,” the Qatari state-owned airline said in a statement. “The safety of our passengers remains our top priority,” it added.
Dubai-based Emirates and its low-cost subsidiary Flydubai also cancelled flights to the Lebanese capital on Tuesday and Wednesday, as did Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways.
Qatar Airways justifies the suspension of its flights to and from Beirut by security reasons for its passengers.
AFP
Monday was the deadliest day since the start of cross-border firefights between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, on the fringes of the Gaza conflict. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, 492 people were killed Monday in Israeli strikes.
Lufthansa, Air France and Delta Air Lines have suspended flights to Beirut in recent days, and several airlines have reduced services to Israel and Iran.
The Lebanese company Middle East Airlines continues to operate from Beirut airport, but its flights are full, a source within the company said.
“Our flights are overbooked because of cancellations by other airlines,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. “There are no seats available, for any destination, before Sunday,” he said.
