Some airlines suspend flights to Beirut over fears of Israeli attacks

Flights at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport have been cancelled or delayed as escalating tensions between Israel and the armed political group Hezbollah raise insurance risks for airlines.

Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), cited "technical reasons related to the distribution of insurance risks for aircraft between Lebanon and other destinations" as the cause of the disruptions, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Lufthansa, along with its subsidiaries Swiss International Air Lines, Eurowings, and Lufthansa, announced the suspension of five routes to and from Beirut, effective through July 30, citing an "abundance of caution." This follows a rocket strike on July 27 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which killed 12 teenagers and children, further heightening fears of a broader conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. While Israel's security cabinet has authorized a response to the attack, Hezbollah has denied involvement.

Other airlines, including Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, AJet, Aegean Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and MEA, have also cancelled flights to Beirut, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24. Turkish Airlines cancelled two flights on the night of July 28 to 29, while additional delays were announced for flights landing on July 29.

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, Lebanon's only airport, has a history of being targeted during times of conflict, including the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. The current situation has led to increased cross-border exchanges of fire, disrupting flights and shipping in the region, including during reciprocal drone and missile attacks between Israel and Iran earlier this year. Lufthansa had already suspended night-time flights to and from Beirut for the month of July due to these developments.