Beirut airport braces for festive season as MEA handles bulk of traffic

Outgoing Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamiyé (Hezbollah), conducted a tour of the Beirut International Airport (AIB) on Friday, assuring the public of a smooth holiday travel season despite challenges. The minister expressed optimism about managing air traffic effectively during this busy time.

Although many foreign airlines have yet to resume flights to Beirut following recent regional tensions, the national carrier MEA (Middle East Airlines) continues to shoulder the bulk of the air traffic. The airline plays a critical role in ensuring connectivity for Lebanon during the holiday season.

The annual holiday period traditionally sees tens of thousands of Lebanese expatriates returning to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their families. This year, the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah has restored a semblance of calm, offering hope for an uninterrupted travel season.

As the situation stabilizes, hopes remain high for an eventual return of foreign airlines to Beirut. In the meantime, MEA continues to demonstrate resilience, maintaining Lebanon’s critical air links with the world.

The holiday season offers an opportunity for Lebanon to showcase its enduring hospitality and to strengthen its connections with the Lebanese diaspora, even amidst ongoing challenges.