Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), has sent five aircraft to Istanbul as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing conflict in Israel. The aircraft include four Airbus A321neos and one Airbus A330.
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MEA spokesperson Mohammad El Hout said that the decision to send the aircraft to Istanbul was made in order to protect them from potential damage in the event of an escalation in the conflict. He also said that the move would allow MEA to continue operating flights in the event that Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport is closed. The aircraft are currently parked at Istanbul Atatürk Airport and are expected to remain there until the situation in Lebanon stabilizes. MEA has said that it will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments to its operations as needed.
The decision to send the aircraft to Istanbul has been met with mixed reactions from passengers. Some have expressed concerns about the safety of flying with MEA during a time of conflict, while others have praised the airline for taking steps to protect its passengers and aircraft. It is important to note that MEA is a well-respected airline with a good safety record. The airline has been operating for over 70 years and has never had a fatal accident.
Passengers who are concerned about flying with MEA during a time of conflict should contact the airline directly to discuss their options. MEA may be able to rebook passengers on other flights or issue refunds. It is also important to note that the situation in Lebanon is constantly changing. Passengers are advised to check the latest travel advice from their government before flying to or from Lebanon.
