Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah following a deadly attack in the Golan Heights, airlines like Air France and Lufthansa made the decision to cancel or delay flights to Beirut. The strike, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 12 children and teenagers, heightened concerns and prompted significant disruptions in air travel.
Air France, in response to the security situation, announced the suspension of flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Beirut for July 29 and 30, 2024. The airline emphasized its commitment to monitoring the evolving scenario in Lebanon closely.
Similarly, Lufthansa, Swiss, and Eurowings, all part of the Lufthansa Group, opted to suspend flights to and from Beirut until August 5 due to the ongoing developments in the Middle East. Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA) attributed disruptions to its schedule to insurance risks, further complicating air travel in the region.
Royal Jordanian Airlines also joined the list of carriers suspending flights to Beirut, with evaluations ongoing for scheduled services. Other airlines like SunExpress, AJet, Aegean Airlines, Ethiopian Air, and MEA canceled flights to Beirut on Monday, reflecting the widespread impact of the situation.
The rocket strike in the Golan Heights, coupled with the broader Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, has raised concerns about a potential regional spillover. Despite denials of responsibility by Hezbollah for the Golan Heights attack, tensions remain high as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a significant response.
Hezbollah, while denying involvement in the Golan Heights incident, retaliated by launching rockets at an Israeli military site, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation. The cross-border violence has resulted in casualties on both sides, with significant civilian and military losses.
The conflict has not only claimed lives but has also disrupted air travel and shipping routes in the region, impacting various industries. In light of the evolving security landscape, airlines have taken precautionary measures, including flight suspensions, to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew.
As the situation continues to unfold, the region remains on edge, with the repercussions of these events reverberating across borders and sectors. Stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, navigating the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and its wider implications.
