Beirut Airport Remains Operational Despite Israeli Bombing and Evacuation Warnings
Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport continues to operate despite intense Israeli airstrikes on southern suburbs and recent evacuation warnings. While most international carriers have suspended flights, Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), maintains a reduced schedule, utilizing specific air corridors to avoid military zones. Civil aviation authorities rely on risk assessments and guarantees primarily from the US embassy to ensure safety. Although departure boards show widespread cancellations and passenger numbers have dropped significantly, the facility remains open. MEA pilots report that commercial flights use distinct altitudes and routes from Israeli military aircraft, with transponders active to prevent accidental engagements. The airport's chief operating officer expressed confidence in the site's security, noting that ongoing renovations are proceeding during the lull in traffic. This resilience mirrors the situation during the 2024 conflict, where the airport also remained functional. Travelers currently at the terminal express concern mainly about potential cancellations rather than immediate physical danger, highlighting the normalized yet precarious nature of air travel amidst the escalating war between Israel and Hezbollah.
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Beirut Airport Remains Operational Despite Israeli Bombing and Evacuation Warnings
Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport continues to operate despite intense Israeli airstrikes on southern suburbs and recent evacuation warnings. While most international carriers have suspended flights, Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), maintains a reduced schedule, utilizing specific air corridors to avoid military zones. Civil aviation authorities rely on risk assessments and guarantees primarily from the US embassy to ensure safety. Although departure boards show widespread cancellations and passenger numbers have dropped significantly, the facility remains open. MEA pilots report that commercial flights use distinct altitudes and routes from Israeli military aircraft, with transponders active to prevent accidental engagements. The airport's chief operating officer expressed confidence in the site's security, noting that ongoing renovations are proceeding during the lull in traffic. This resilience mirrors the situation during the 2024 conflict, where the airport also remained functional. Travelers currently at the terminal express concern mainly about potential cancellations rather than immediate physical danger, highlighting the normalized yet precarious nature of air travel amidst the escalating war between Israel and Hezbollah.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle East