Safe travels - Beirut Airport remains open as Middle Eastern airlines continue flights amid regional tensions

"Travellers have defied regional tensions in Beirut as Rafic Hariri International Airport continues to operate on Wednesday amid military developments in Lebanon and the wider region. Footage shows passengers and families welcoming loved ones waiting in the airport terminal, while several commercial airlines prepare for takeoff. Jalal Haidar, the airport’s CEO, said efforts are focused on keeping the airspace open and maintaining normal operations. He stressed that the airport has not sustained any damage and that emergency plans are fully in place.   “We are at ease and are working with determination and without fear,” he said. “We have received the necessary instructions from the government and senior officials to ensure the airport is ready and the airspace remains open.”   According to Haidar, the airport handled between 30 and 32 take-offs and landings on Wednesday, mostly involving regional carriers.   One passenger arriving from Syria said he chose to travel via Beirut due to the perceived safety and ease of access, noting that Middle East Airlines flights were operating as usual.   Another passenger described the airport as one of the safest places in the country due to heightened security measures.   In recent hours, rumours circulated that the airport had been closed, sparking concern among residents and travellers.   However, the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority denied the reports, confirming that air traffic is continuing as scheduled.   Tensions in the region escalated after the United States and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran on February 28, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes.   Iran responded with strikes targeting Israeli territory and US military sites across the region, with explosions reported in several Gulf countries.   During the escalation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed and later succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.   The conflict widened further after Hezbollah launched strikes on Israel, saying they were in retaliation for Khamenei’s assassination and Israeli operations in Lebanon. The 2024 war between Israel and Hezbollah lasted roughly a year before a ceasefire was reached. But tensions have flared again with Israel launching a new military operation earlier this month, following Hezbollah's entry into the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported the latest hostilities have killed 1,029 people and injured 2,786 at the time of publication."

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