
Lebanon's air traffic has been significantly affected by the recent tensions with Israel, leading to disruptions and safety concerns for both local and international flights. The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and militant group, has resulted in increased military activity along the Lebanon-Israel border. This has prompted Saudi Arabia and several countries to issue travel advisories and warnings to their citizens, advising against all travel to Lebanon and urging their nationals to leave the country immediately.
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The situation has also led to changes in the operations of Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, Lebanon's main airport. Reports have surfaced that Israel has notified several countries to evacuate their airplanes from this airport and to clear Lebanon's airspace. This move has significantly reduced the number of flights in and out of Lebanon, impacting both passenger and cargo transportation. Furthermore, there have been incidents of drones from Lebanon striking northern Israel, leading to retaliatory strikes by the Israeli Air Force. These events have heightened the risk for air traffic in the region, as airspace violations and military responses could potentially endanger civilian aircraft.
In response to the escalating tensions, Germany has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon, warning that air traffic in Beirut might come to a halt as Germany's national carrier, Lufthansa, will cease operations in Beirut after the evacuation of German citizens. Also, Canada is working to evacuate 45,000 Canadian citizens, in an operation that is considered the largest in Canadian history. This advice reflects the growing concern over the safety of air travel in Lebanon amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel. The situation is further complicated by the use of Beirut's airspace by airlines sanctioned for their ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Since Hezbollah began its aggression against northern Israel alongside Hamas in October 2023, 85 flights using these airlines have flown from Tehran to Beirut. This adds another layer of complexity and risk to air traffic in Lebanon, as it involves entities under international sanctions. Last week, Lebanon authorities rejected the allegations that Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is being used to smuggle weapons and organized a tour for a number of journalists and diplomats inside the Beirut airport warehouses, to confirm that Hezbollah does not store any weapons or missiles at the airport.
The impact of these developments on Lebanon's air traffic is significant. The reduced number of flights, potential airspace closures, and heightened military activity all contribute to a challenging environment for air travel in Lebanon. The situation is dynamic and subject to rapid changes, which further complicates the management of air traffic in the region. In conclusion, Lebanon's air traffic is facing serious disruptions and safety concerns due to the recent tensions with Israel. The situation is fluid and subject to rapid changes, which necessitates close monitoring and careful management of air traffic operations in the region.