In a significant development for Lebanon's aviation sector, several international airlines have begun to resume flights to Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport following a negotiated ceasefire that has held steady since November 27, 2024. This move signals a cautious return to normalcy in the region, which had seen a significant reduction in air traffic due to regional conflicts. The first to resume operations was Royal Jordanian, which restarted its daily flights from Amman to Beirut on December 1, 2024. This was followed by Turkish Airlines, which had delayed its initial resumption but started flying from Istanbul to Beirut on December 3.
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The airline has gradually increased its frequency to two daily flights, with plans to return to four daily flights by mid-December, according to its official website. Middle Eastern carriers have been at the forefront of this return, with Iraqi Airways announcing the resumption of flights between Baghdad and Beirut starting December 5. Qatar Airways is set to follow suit, planning to restart its daily service between Doha and Beirut from December 9, 2024. Meanwhile, Emirates and Etihad Airways from the UAE are expected to recommence operations on December 9 and December 18, respectively, with both airlines focusing on their Dubai-Beirut and Abu Dhabi-Beirut routes.
This reintroduction of flights is not just a logistical adjustment but a crucial step in Lebanon's economic recovery. The aviation sector is pivotal for Lebanon's tourism industry and for connecting Lebanese expatriates with their homeland. The ceasefire, part of a broader agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, has provided a window of opportunity for airlines to assess the safety of the airspace and the operational viability of flying into Beirut. However, the resumption is cautious. Airlines are closely monitoring the situation, with contingency plans in place should the ceasefire break down. Western carriers like Air France, which had suspended flights to Beirut since September due to security concerns, are still evaluating the situation and have not announced a return date. This cautious approach reflects the volatile nature of the region, where even a temporary ceasefire can be precarious.
Lebanon's airport authorities have confirmed that passenger numbers are already showing signs of recovery, with the airport reporting a 20% increase in traffic compared to the weeks immediately following the onset of hostilities. This resurgence is expected to provide a much-needed boost to local businesses that rely on tourism and international trade. The return of these flights underscores the resilience of the aviation industry and the hope for stability in Lebanon, although the situation remains fluid, and airlines and passengers alike are prepared for potential changes if the security environment shifts.