MEA and El Al gain monopoly as European airlines suspend flights

Air France has announced an extension of its suspension of flights between Paris and Tel Aviv until October 15, and between Paris and Beirut until October 26, due to ongoing security concerns in the region. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed the decision on Monday, citing the uncertain situation in the Middle East.

Foreign airlines operating in the region are facing increased challenges, including a significant rise in insurance premiums and reluctance from pilots and crew members to fly in areas deemed dangerous. These concerns have been exacerbated by a recent European directive that instructs airlines from EU countries to halt flights to regions considered to be high-risk.

This situation has turned into a commercial windfall for national carriers such as El Al in Israel and Middle East Airlines (MEA) in Lebanon, both of which now enjoy a temporary monopoly on routes to these destinations. The suspension of European airlines has led to a sharp increase in ticket prices, which were already high before the current security concerns.

With no clear resolution to the instability in sight, the suspension of flights by major airlines like Air France has left passengers with limited travel options and significantly higher costs for those still needing to fly to or from Tel Aviv and Beirut.