Several airlines have recently suspended flights to Beirut, Lebanon, as tensions escalate between Israel and the armed political group Hezbollah. The decision comes after a missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights killed 12 children and teenagers, increasing fears of a significant escalation in the conflict. Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, and Eurowings, announced the suspension of flights to and from Beirut until August 5. Lufthansa cited "current developments" in the Middle East as the reason for the cancellations. Similarly, Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines have also canceled flights to Beirut.
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Middle East Airlines (MEA), the largest carrier in Beirut, delayed some flights to arrive on Tuesday morning instead of at night. The airline attributed the delay to "technical reasons related to the distribution of insurance risks." However, other airlines, including Pegasus, Emirates, Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Iran Air, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, have maintained their scheduled arrivals at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Despite the cancellations and delays, business at Beirut's airport has continued as usual, with many travelers seemingly unfazed by the warnings. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has advised U.S. citizens in Lebanon to enroll in the STEP program, which provides updates in the event of an emergency.
The conflict has disrupted flights and shipping across the region, including during reciprocal drone and missile attacks between Israel and Iran in April. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to monitor their flight status closely.