Lebanese airline resumes flights through Syrian airspace

Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), has resumed flights through Syrian airspace, facilitating travel towards Iraq and the Gulf States.

A source at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut confirmed the development, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"Aircraft operated by MEA are once again utilizing the air corridor over Syria en route to Iraq and other Arab nations," the source said.

This move follows the rescheduling of several MEA flights on December 11, which had previously avoided Syrian airspace due to military developments in the region. Flights to destinations such as Amman, Baghdad, Dubai, Kuwait, and Riyadh had been rerouted. The source further clarified that the flights were bypassing Syrian airspace at the time.

Earlier, the official in charge of the transport ministry in Syria's transitional government, said that "Syrian skies will be open for air traffic in the coming hours." The official confirmed that the international airports in Damascus and Aleppo were ready to receive aircraft, with technical staff on the ground ensuring smooth operations. He also highlighted preparations for the arrival of delegations and Syrian citizens wishing to return home.

By Vafa Guliyeva